Prince Dusk Shine is tasked with making sure that Princess Bluebelle's Birthday Ball goes well.
Dusk Shine is tasked with making sure that Princess Bluebelle's Birthday Ball goes well. Bluebelle just wants to be left alone. Fleur De Lis needs to have her chance to remain in the spotlight and within Canterlot's elite. Elusive just wants revenge for his treatment at the Grand Galloping Gala. Will Dusk Shine and Bluebelle learn about new kinds of friendship?
Complete with songs from your favorite Bridleway and Disneigh Musicals!
Princess Celestia focused her energy into her horn, closed her eyes, and turned to the East. Moments later, a flash of white light emerged on the horizon. The white light spread into a single line, cutting in between the darkness in the sky and the land. The colors of night: the blacks, the greys, and the silvers – all of these disappeared, giving way to the multitude of colors of early morning. The sky turned into a symphony of color. The grass became green once again. The buildings of Canterlot became visible.
Princess Celestia opened her eyes and looked down at her work from the balcony of the observatory and turned to her sister. She saw how Princess Luna sighed as she watched the last of her night stars disappear into the colors of dawn. “And now, dear sister," Princess Celestia said, “I must go and head the Day Court. I trust you will find something to occupy your time?”
“Of course,” Princess Luna replied, “I’ve had a few ideas in regards to some celestial bodies that I wish to introduce to the night sky.” The two sisters embraced for a moment, and then Princess Celestia powered her horn once more. She teleported to the throne room. Her assistant, Raven, waited for her with a stack of papers.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” Raven said with a bow.
“Good morning, Raven,” Princess Celestia replied, “I hope that your sleep went well?”
“Praise Luna for that,” Raven said as she shuffled through the papers, “I managed to arrange your schedule today. It took a lot of wrangling, but I was able to get a few of the noble ponies to bring their requests tomorrow instead of today.”
The two ponies made their way from the doorway of the throne room to the throne itself. Two unicorn guards stood on either side of the throne, their faces frozen in their trademark expression of stoicism. Princess Celestia hovered from the bottom of the steps to the throne and took a seat on the cushion. “So what is on the docket for today?” Princess Celestia asked.
“The first of the noble ponies should be arriving within the next half hour, Your Highness. Mr. Fancy Pants was hoping for guidance in establishing a foundation to eradicate the last traces of tribalism in the corners of Equestria.”
“I thought we already had done that.” Princess Celestia mused.
“He says that it still exists in certain areas, even the unicorns in Canterlot seem to have a certain ‘attitude’ about them regarding earth ponies.” Raven made sure to emphasis the word attitude for Princess Celestia’s benefit. “After that,” Raven continued, “We have the standard fare from the other ten noble ponies that will make up the first half of the Day Court. After your lunch, I managed to clear off the other half of the docket so that we can ensure that the final preparations in the ball room are suitable for Princess Bluebelle’s birthday ball tomorrow.” Princess Celestia face hoofed. “You do remember that your niece’s birthday is tomorrow?” Raven asked, trying not to sound accusatory.
“Of course I remember.” Princess Celestia replied. “How could I forget after last year’s Wind Direction debacle?”
“Look, it wasn’t your fault.” Raven reassured her. “You just need to realize that your niece isn’t a filly anymore, but a full grown mare. It was a good thought to bring over Trottingham’s most popular colt group, but she is now officially the Princess of Winds as a fully grown mare. I guess she didn’t appreciate being patronized like that.” Raven watched as Princess Celestia stood up from her throne and began to pace back and forth.
“It’s just strange seeing her fully grown now,” Princess Celestia muttered, “I feel like I don’t know her at all. How am I supposed to make sure that this year’s birthday ball goes well?”
“Do you want us to hire a planner to ensure that all of the details come together?” Princess Celestia stopped in her tracks and turned to Raven.
“What did you say?”
“We can hire a planner to ensure that all of the details come together.”
Princess Celestia thought for a moment and then smiled.
“No,” Princess Celestia replied, “Hiring somepony won’t be necessary. I already have the perfect stallion in mind. Write a letter for me, please.” Raven nodded and pulled out a sheet of parchment and quill from her saddlebag. “Dear Prince Dusk Shine,” Princess Celestia began, only to be stopped by Raven’s quill snapping.
“Sorry.”
Raven reached into her saddlebag and pulled out another quill. She tried not to notice the two guards as they glanced at each other for a moment. She inked the new quill and continued where Princess Celestia left off. Raven smiled to Princess Celestia and ignored the raised eyebrow that she gave to her.
“Dear Prince Dusk Shine,” Princess Celestia started again, “I am writing to you in hopes that you will assist me in a rather important manner." She paused for a moment so that Raven could finish. “As you know, Princess Bluebelle’s birthday is tomorrow. Though all of the main preparations are in order, I am in need of somepony to ensure that all of the details of the party come together. I know that as the newly minted Prince of Magic, you are most likely surrounded by numerous books of arcane magic and are certainly enjoying yourself doing so. I have delivered this message by royal guard rather than risk interrupting your studies with it popping up in front of you.”
Neither Princess Celestia nor Raven noticed that the two guards were looking at each other with apprehension and trying to make themselves look smaller with each word that was said. “I know you have a reputation for making sure that every little detail goes according to plan,” Princess Celestia continued, “So I can think of no other pony with the right qualifications to assist me in this endeavor. Your task is to ensure that the entertainment is to Princess Bluebelle’s liking, and that all of the elements of her party are brought together to create a ball worthy of a mare who has reached the age of majority. Best wishes, Princess Celestia.”
Raven finished the final sentence and rolled up the scroll. A light aura surrounded the scroll and Princess Celestia levitated it in front of the two guards. She looked at each guard. Both of the guards tried to keep their composure as she looked at each one before deciding which one to send to the Royal Canterlot Archives. “Sergeant Lighthoof,” Princess Celestia said, “I need you to deliver this letter to Prince Dusk Shine as soon as possible.” Sergeant Lighthoof summoned all of his military training to keep a stoic expression. He raised a hoof to his forehead and saluted Princess Celestia.
“Yes, your majesty.” Sergeant Lighthoof replied as he took the scroll in his hoof.
Sergeant Lighthoof bowed to the princess and made his way to the door of the throne room. Before he left, he turned to his companion who remained at his post. Even from this distance, he could still see that Sergeant Boulder Dash’s gave him as much sympathy as he could muster without setting aside his blank expression. The doors to the throne room closed, and Sergeant Lighthoof began to trod towards the Royal Canterlot Archives.
“Perfect,” he muttered, “Why do I always have to be the one who has to interrupt Prince Dusk Shine while he’s studying?”
*****
Prince Dusk Shine’s feathers ruffled involuntarily in the morning light as it streamed through the single window on the east side of the Royal Canterlot Archives. His eyes weighed down heavily on him as he poured over each tome that he previously did not have access to while he was a unicorn. A series of books surrounded him while he read the words of each page as they passed by his eyes. “Princess Golden Dream’s Dilemma,” Dusk Shine mumbled, “What unicorn in their right mind would try to begin a spell where the first couplet ends in orange?”
Time always stood still for Dusk Shine when he was studying. The thought of there being new books or new ideas always filled him with too much fascination to stop for even a moment. Eventually, sleep would take over and he would find himself having fallen asleep in the library with his muzzle in a book. Princess Celestia had even expressed concern about this fact, but he shrugged it off. After all, that was his job as the Prince of Magic; his job was to look over the unfinished spells of the ponies of the Classical Era, as well as to monitor the use of magic throughout Equestria for any signs of new magic.
Dusk Shine began to wonder if he had been studying too much, however, because he swore he could hear voices calling out to him now. But now was too important. He felt he was on a breakthrough with this spell. Just a few alterations and he could finally complete Princess Golden Dream’s Dilemma. He was so close to developing a true love spell; all other attempts before by ponies had resulted in the development of love poisons. He just had to discover the code that would allow him to manipulate the feelings of the ponies involved without completely taking over their minds.
But you’ve never been in love before, Dusk Shine thought, so how would you know what component is missing?
Dusk Shine’s ear twitched as the sound of a bell rang through the air. He immediately placed the source to his ink wells. Somepony had hit his ink well and knocked it out of alignment with the others. His concentration now broken, the books that had been twirling around him all fell to the floor. He immediately turned his head to the offender and faced a wide-eyed Sergeant Lighthoof.
“Why did you interrupt me?” Dusk Shine shouted. “You know I hate being interrupted while I’m studying!”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Sergeant Lighthoof replied, “But I had to deliver this message to you from the princess.”
Dusk Shine sighed as he left his cushion and trotted over to Sergeant Lighthoof. Sergeant Lighthoof rummaged through his saddlebag and retrieved the scroll. He levitated it from the guard’s hoof and unrolled it. He turned to the small ink well and levitated it back into place.
“I am sorry for the intrusion, My Liege.”
“I’m sorry I yelled at you,” Dusk Shine replied, though he could tell the guard didn’t completely believe him nor was he sure that he believed it himself, “I’m just trying to figure out one of the more difficult unfinished spells.”
“Of course, sir,” Sergeant Lighthoof replied, “I did try to knock, and when that didn’t work, I tried calling out your name, but you were-”
“Studying, I know.” Dusk Shine replied as he read the scroll. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me. I know you have a reputation for making sure that every little detail goes according to plan?”
Dusk Shine scoffed and turned to the guard, who simply stood at the doorway.
“Well, I guess she’s right.” Dusk Shine added. “I did tell her about how I fixed Ponyville’s Winter Wrap Up Fiasco, so I’m not surprised. We don’t want another Wind Direction debacle, do we?”
“No sir,” Sergeant Lighthoof replied, “we don’t.”
Dusk Shine squinted his eyes, and the scroll burst into flames before his and Sergeant Lighthoof’s eyes. Sergeant Lighthoof backed away and began to leave, but Dusk Shine placed a hoof on his shoulder to prevent his escape.
“I promise I’m not angry with you, okay?” Dusk Shine said, “After all, you know the saying. Don’t shoot the messenger.”
Dusk Shine smiled at Sergeant Lighthoof, but he must have smiled wrong, because Sergeant Lighthoof’s eyes went even wider as he bowed and made his way out the door, closing it behind him. Dusk Shine sighed and turned towards the window. The rays of morning light seeped through even stronger than before. Prince Dusk Shine turned to open book and reread the beginning of Princess Golden Dream’s love spell.
You, who take the moon’s soft glow and its world of shadow You, who take the sun’s colors into your eyes and make fire of orange. As you reap these labors of your love, I shall sow.
“Why didn’t these ponies think about what they were writing instead of just jotting down whatever was on their mind?”
Prince Dusk Shine slammed the book down. A small discharge erupted from his horn, sending a shock wave around the room. He turned when the familiar sound of ink dripping on the floor caught his attention.
Drip… drip drip… drip… drip drip.
Prince Dusk Shine sighed and began toying with the book in his hooves. He knew that he was the go to guy for anytime ponies needed help with planning things. But this was different. He had to make sure that there was no way in Tartarus that anything could go wrong. He began to think about all of the times he had made mistakes on matters such as these. He continued to flip the pages of the book in his hooves.
Flip.
Drip… drip drip. Flip.
Drip… drip drip. Flip.
Prince Dusk Shine watched as his door opened again, and there stood a Pegasus Royal Guard with a blue mane and orange fur. Oh no, Prince Dusk Shine thought, not Flash Sentry…
“No!” Prince Dusk Shine shouted. “We don’t need a song! Not now!”
But he was too late. Already, the Royal Guards lined the halls of Canterlot Castle and waited for him to continue. Prince Dusk Shine walked out of his study and into the hall. He turned to the first guard. There was a line of six of them, and they began to strike poses.
Prince Dusk Shine trotted down the hall towards the wing where Princess Bluebelle spent all of her time. The guards began to whisper to one another as he trotted, as though he couldn’t hear them.
Dusk had it coming, Dusk had it coming The Princess ordered him by name With his OCD, the way he nit picks I betcha you would have done the same Bats! Six! Blitz! Apples! Parasprites! Want it!
Prince Dusk Shine reached the end of his hall, slammed a hoof against the wall, and stared one of the guards in the face.
You know how Butterscotch has this little habit That gets you down? His way with animals! Butterscotch likes animals. No, not likes, loves! Well, I go to Sweet Apple Acres And I'm really irritated because the bats have eaten the apples, so no cider. and there's Butterscotch Lying on the dirt, trying to like, no, not like, Love! Love the vile creatures! So, I said to him, I said "Butterscotch, you will stare at those bats so we can get that cider." and he did. So I used my magic and made the vampire fruit bats not like apples. But I put the love of apples... into his head.
Prince Dusk Shine continued down the hallway and across the main ballroom. The guards continued to whisper to one another. Did one of the guards just do a pirouette into the hooves of another guard, he thought to himself.
Dusk had it coming, Dusk had it coming The Princess ordered him by name With his OCD, the way he nit picks I betcha you would have done the same
By this time, Prince Dusk Shine had made it to the Hall of History, where the stained glass windows of the history of Equestria stood. He looked up and saw the stained glass figure of a white unicorn with a purple mane.
I remember Elusive in Ponyville two years ago He wanted to make six tuxes for the Grand Galloping Gala And the rest of us agreed to it He put stars on mine, but by Celestia, were they innacurate. Then I found out, Orion, he thought? Orion, my ass! Not only did he use four stars for it, he confused the Canis constellations. Something about it being artistic So that night, when I saw the astronomical offense I said that is Canis Major, not Minor You know, some stallions just can't take constructive criticism.
The morning sunlight bled into the hall, and Prince Dusk Shine was bathed in the prismatic light of a rainbow that shone through the multicolored window. The guards, however, didn’t seem to notice it.
Dusk had it coming, Dusk had it coming Like when he tried to control time With his messed up mane, he looked so insane Elusive called it a fashion crime
“It didn’t look that bad.” Prince Dusk Shine replied as he continued down the halls.
He didn’t see where he was going and bumped into one of the guards. The guard stumbled and knocked over a line of guards. He suppressed a giggle as the line of guards went down like dominoes.
That reminds me of when I was standing in the library Studying flight patterns and whatnot This was before I became an alicorn in storms Rainbow Blitz babbling on and on "I gotta do a Sonic Rainboom." He says He was crazy and he kept on screaming "I gotta do a Sonic Rainboom" Then he ran into the bookshelves How many times has he rammed his head into my library?
The guards interrupted Prince Dusk Shine’s quick reverie.
Dusk doesn’t like to… be interrupted The guards who’ve done it all have bloody manes
Prince Dusk Shine turned around at the words the guards were saying.
“I am not physically violent!” He shouted. “You all have no idea how hard it is trying to study these arcane spells and to find a logical working method for them!”
Dusk looked out the window as he continued on to Princess Bluebelle’s room. Outside, he noticed a single apple tree in the Royal Canterlot Gardens. He shook his head as another memory ran through his mind.
Applejack thought he could do it... Buck all of the apples on his own. I offered to help, but he said no. Then things started happening in town. The Baked Bads incident, the bunny stampede, He made Rainbow Blitz crash into my library… again. It’s as though when I stay out of it, things go from bad to worse.
Flash Sentry appeared from seemingly out of nowhere and tapped Prince Dusk Shine on the shoulder.
“Yeah, but didn’t you help him in the end?” He asked.
Prince Dusk Shine stared angrily at Flash Sentry.
“Oh no,” He replied, “We are not pinning those accidents on me!”
In the distance, Prince Dusk Shine heard the sound of music coming from the ballroom. His mind turned to thoughts of the parasprite infestation.
Who would have guessed that Bubble Berry knew how to do it? He could have just said, ‘Hey guys, I know what to do.’ But no… I looked like an idiot When he showed up with ten instruments in tow Maracas, tamborines, drums, that stupid trombone, Cymbals, one instrument right after the other Didn’t he see that we were trying To get rid of the parasprites? The five of us, herding them together and running them out of town Only to return to Butterscotch’s… We come back, open the door And hundreds of the little bastards Start flying to the last place we wanted them… Ponyville Well, I was in such a state of shock, I completely blacked out I can't remember a thing, though I’m pretty sure There was something about rebuilding the town. I didn’t even know they were gone.
Prince Dusk Shine noticed that the guards were all nodding their heads and continued with their somehow choreographed dance. He watched as guard after guard tossed himself into the hooves of a waiting stallion.
The trombone blowing, the guitar strumming All that they needed was a song He made Prince Dusk Shine, a stupid equine, For not knowing how to fix it all along
“I would have figured it out.” Prince Dusk Shine muttered, but the guards continued.
He wasn’t trying, and now he’s lying To cover up how it went down It could have been worse, like casting some curse To make the creatures eat up the town.
“All of you guards can suck my hooves.” He continued.
Dusk Shine stood at the entrance of Princess Bluebelle’s wing of Canterlot Castle. He sighed, but as he went to open the door, a familiar squeak echoed through the castle. He turned around and saw that a small foal had dropped her doll and that a mare was picking it up. He looked at the small crowd of ponies gathered near the entrance of the castle. Oh yeah, he thought to himself, Princess Celestia authorized castle tours to help with the economic issues. He stared at the doll for a moment.
I loved my Smartie Pants doll, more than I could ever know, She even had her own quill and notebook to do homework. But I had to find a way to make a letter for the princess I was up all day trying to find a problem to report to the princess And on the way I found Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Big Mac Brainwashing adults into fighting over a pony doll does sound a bit dumb… If I ever get my hooves on whoever stole Smarty Pants…
Prince Dusk Shine muttered the last words ominously as a group of guards surrounded him in a circle.
“What the?” he asked, “What are you all doing?”
He’ll kick his bum, bum, bum, bum, bum
“Unless he’s a lot bigger than me, then I’ll-”
He’ll kick his bum, bum, bum, bum, bum
“I didn’t say that!” he shouted
Dusk had it coming, Dusk had it coming He wants to prove to the princess Though an elemental, he’s not gone mental He has no choice but to take this test Dusk had it coming, Dusk had it coming The Princess ordered him by name With his OCD, the way he nit picks I betcha you would have done the same
Prince Dusk Shine made it to the final corridor leading up to Princess Bluebelle’s room. Even from here, he could hear the sounds of wind coming from behind the door. Great, he thought, I’ll be the one interrupting her. The door behind him remained open, and he could hear the sounds of the guards as they whispered.
“Wait, how did his magic turn Butterscotch into a bat again?”
“Orion as a belt… yeah, how original, Elusive...”
“How does Rainbow Blitz not have permanent brain damage?”
“He only helped Applejack because he wanted apple whiskey.”
“Bubble Berry must be really good with his hooves…”
“Did the Prince ever find out who took his doll?”
Bats! Six! Blitz! Apples! Parasprites! Want it!
Prince Dusk Shine turned around and slammed the door behind him. Maybe if we spent more of the Treasury’s money on combat drills rather than choreography, we wouldn’t have had that changeling invasion.
He stared for a moment at the door to Princess Bluebelle’s room, and then he raised his hoof and knocked on the door.
Princess Bluebelle was brushing her mane as she looked out the window to watch Princess Celestia complete the sunrise. She smiled and nodded her head as she turned away from the morning and to her vanity, where she continued to brush. “Ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred,” She counted and then levitated the brush to the side, “Perfect.” As Princess Bluebelle looked over her mane once more, she looked down at a photograph next to the vanity mirror. The stallion in the photograph stared directly into the camera, his sky blue eyes piercing into the viewer’s. His curled black locks cascaded down to his shoulders, contrasting with his snow white fur. The mare, on the other hoof, looked off to the side, as though something had caught her attention just as the camera flashed. The mare had blonde hair the color of the sun and was tied back into a ponytail. In between them was a filly with a blonde mane and white fur. Her smile was crooked, as though she was just learning how to smile. Princess Bluebelle looked at the stallion’s cutie mark and then turned to look at her own matching cutie mark.
“Good morning, mother,” Princess Bluebelle whispered, “Good morning, daddy.” Princess Bluebelle looked down at the brush that she had set down. She reached up and moved the brush so that it was parallel with the side of the vanity. She sighed and then turned to the door. Before leaving, she turned back and looked over the room one more time. Something else had caught her attention. She trotted over to her bed and levitated the pillow a quarter inch to the left. Satisfied with her work, she turned and finally left her bedroom. She used her magic to open the bedroom door.
The room that Princess Bluebelle had taken to calling “The Wind Room” was sparse; the only additions to the room were a large map of Equestria on the west wall. The morning sun lit it up perfectly. A small table sat next to the map, and a golden bowl of silver pins had been placed on it. In the middle of the room was an ivory pillar that held a glass dome. Eight small crystals hovered in the air and surrounded the dome. Princess Bluebelle trotted over to the pillar and used her magic to levitate one of the crystals over the dome.
“Zephyrus, spirit of the western wind, I call you forth. Come forward, and perform your duties to the earth.”
Princess Bluebelle let go of the crystal, but it remained balanced on top of the dome. The dome glowed for a moment before it began to fill with blue smoke. The ghostly image of a handsome stallion appeared, his brown mane curled down his dark red fur. Though his eyes were entirely black, Princess Bluebelle knew that he was looking at her. When she had first been introduced to the Anemoi, the blackness of their eyes had startled her, but now, the eight spirits of the wind were always a welcome sight.
“Your Highness, Princess of the Winds,” a deep voice whispered through the dome, “How am I needed today?”
Princess Bluebelle smiled and turned to the map, using her magic to levitate the silver pins to different places on the map.
“Her Majesty, Princess Celestia, has received word that the ponies in Seaddle haven’t escaped the winter as of yet. I ask you to speak to Boreas in regards to that. I know he enjoys his winter wind, but spring must begin for them as soon as possible. It is March, it is time for your wind to take over.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
Princess Bluebelle levitated numerous silver pins and attached them to the coastlines of Manehatten, Fillydelphia, and Baltimare. “Furthermore,” Princess Bluebelle continued, “The trade winds to Zebrica have been unmanageable as of late. We need to be able to send our ponytarian ships to Mareocco.”
“I will send word to Lips to ensure that the sailor’s winds are favorable.”
“Very good.” Princess Bluebelle replied as she began to levitate another pin towards Appleloosa.
“Wait,” Zephyrus said, “You said it was March?”
Princess Bluebelle froze for a moment. She knew what was coming.
“Yes, it is.”
“Forgive me, Your Highness,” Zephyrus continued, “But isn’t your birthday soon?”
“It is tomorrow, to be exact.”
“Oh, to be a mortal and celebrate such things,” Zephyrus chuckled, “Time tends to lose meaning for us. What can seem like a day can be a year. It seems like yesterday that you became the Emissary of Aeolus after-”
“Yes,” Princess Bluebelle cut him off as she placed a pin at the center of Appleloosa, “We were all fortunate that Aunt Celestia was able to handle the task until I became of age last year. Now if you could also speak with Eurus about bringing the rain winds to-”
“Will Her Majesty try to throw you another birthday ball?”
“Most likely,” Princess Bluebelle said through gritted teeth.
“I’m sure she won’t do what she did last year.”
“Let’s hope not.” She said. “Now, about the situation in Appleloosa…”
“Forgive me for saying this, Your Highness, but shouldn’t you be speaking with Boreas, Lips, and Eurus, as well?”
“I am going to,” Princess Bluebelle replied, “It’s just that sometimes I need a little bit of a push from one of you to make the others work. You’re the wind that I trust the most.”
“An honor, certainly,” Zephyrus replied, “And I will make sure that they listen to you. You know, you’re about the same age as your mother when she met-”
“Don’t.” Princess Bluebelle stopped him.
“Your Highness,” Zephyrus continued, “It was eight years ago. And need I remind you that you will have to bring an heir to serve as Emissary of Aeolus someday.”
The silver pins Princess Bluebelle had been levitating dropped to the floor, resulting in the sound of metal clanging on the tiles. She laughed and then turned to the dome.
“Oh really?” she asked. “And what, I’ll just trot through the halls and stumble into some new recruit and we’ll fall in love at first sight?”
“I didn’t mean it like that, Your Highness.”
Princess Bluebelle rose up on her hind legs and crossed her forelegs to the side of her face and batted her eyes.
“Or maybe I’ll find some servant in the castle with a heart of gold and a determined outlook on life.”
“Your Highness, please.”
Princess Bluebelle galloped to the window facing the sun and pointed to the streets.
“Or maybe, just maybe, there’s a commoner out there who won’t take a look at me and see nothing but a crown.”
“Wait,” Zephyrus said, “You still use the word commoner?”
Princess Bluebelle reached up and rubbed her temples.
“They are common, Zephyrus,” she replied, “They are all the same. I’ve been a princess my whole life, and I know how ponies look at me. Their only thought is how they can use me to lift themselves up the social ladder.”
“What about your friends?” Zephyrus asked.
Princess Bluebelle huffed and turned back to the windows for a moment. Even this early in the morning, she could see a few ponies already out and about. A mare and stallion cantered through the streets. A small group of foals gathered in the nearby park. Princess Bluebelle shook her head and made her way back to the dome and caressed the crystals that surrounded it.
You are my friend, I need no more I need not the ponies who walk beneath me You’re all the friend I’m looking for To the others, a means to an end is all they’ll see
Princess Bluebelle turned to the window once more and stared down at the ponies below.
You are my friend Nopony else
She turned back to the ghostly image of Zephyrus, who cocked his head to the side as she made her way back to him.
Friend, in the end, is what you are You’re somepony who guides and listens Those social-ladder climbing mares And those insufferable stallions
I’ve seen their actions with my eyes And I’m sure what truths are in their heart So it should come as no surprise That I have chosen not to take part
Bluebelle stared directly into the dome. She knew that Zephyrus was staring back at her with those black eyes. His face was unreadable. Finally, he called out to Princess her through the dome.
But must you never learn to trust That ponies there could be trustworthy You cannot solely rest on us You still have your duties, Emissary
She shook her head.
I have no reason to believe That what you say will one day come true Why must I risk my heart to grieve Why can I not stay here with you
Princess Bluebelle turned away from the dome, but Zephyrus still called out.
Open your heart, hear what I say You don’t have to remain alone here Why can’t you let this be the day That you can let somepony in there
Princess Bluebelle’s aura surrounded the crystal that was still balanced on top of the dome. “Thank you for your assistance.” Princess Bluebelle said.
“I serve the Princess of the Winds.” Princess Bluebelle levitated the crystal away from the dome. Zephyrus’s form wavered for a moment, and the dome once again filled with blue smoke. The next moment, Zephyrus was gone. Princess Bluebelle levitated the crystal to her outstretched hoof. She held it as she looked at the other crystals.
You are my friend, I need no more The ponies there will only use me I will not break, my heart won’t bend For, in the end, you are my friend
Princess Bluebelle placed the crystal back into place with the others. She levitated another crystal into the air but then jumped when she heard the sound of a door knocking. Her telekinetic grasp faltered for a moment and the crystal began to fall. “No!” She screamed and reached out with her hooves to grab the crystal. The crystal bounced off of her hoof and she clamored to grasp it with her other hoof. She finally managed to keep it in her grasp this time. She breathed a sigh of relief and set it back onto the pillar, turned around, and left the room. As she trotted to the door, she began to seethe. How dare somepony interrupt me while I’m working, she thought as her aura surrounded the door. “How dare you interrupt-”
Princess Bluebelle began to shout, only to realize that it was Prince Dusk Shine on the other side of the door. His lavender eyes stared at her for a moment but then darted away. “What do you want, Dusk?” Princess Bluebelle asked, knowing that royalty had no need to refer to one another by title.
“It’s good to see you, too, Bluebelle.” Prince Dusk Shine replied. “May I come in?”
Princess Bluebelle nodded and turned away. Prince Dusk Shine entered the room and trotted to the overstuffed chair against the wall. The main suite was much more heavily decorated than the other rooms in Princess Bluebelle’s suite.
“I’ve never been in here before,” Prince Dusk Shine said, “This furniture is beautiful. Did you have it flown in from the Griffon Kingdom?”
“Of course not,” Princess Bluebelle replied as she sat down on the sofa, “There’s a griffon upholsterer who lives in Canterlot.”
“I see.” Prince Dusk Shine said as he rubbed his fore hooves together. “The woodwork on the tables is flawless, too.”
Princess Bluebelle looked for a moment at the door to The Wind Room. She turned back only to see that Dusk Shine was looking everywhere in the room except at her. “So, did you decide to come for a visit to see my taste in furniture?” Dusk Shine finally turned his attention to her, but then he reached up to rub his temples.
“No,” he replied, “I was studying in the library when a guard delivered a letter to me.”
“And this concerns me why, exactly?”
“The letter was from your aunt.”
“Okay.” Princess Bluebelle replied, still not seeing the connection.
“It was about the plans for your birthday.”
“I see.”
“You see, Celestia doesn’t want another repeat of last year,” Prince Dusk Shine continued, “So she wants you to see how the preparations are coming along.”
“And why would this concern you?” Princess Bluebelle asked.
“Celestia wants me to help in case you don’t like what she has and, I’m only guessing at this, but she knows that I can be rather organized when it comes to last minute emergencies.”
Bluebelle had to use all of her willpower not to roll her eyes at the last statement. She had heard through the rumor mills of some of the disasters Prince Dusk Shine had wrought on Ponyville during his residency there. In fact, many stories had travelled up to the castle of his exploits with his friends. The memory of a certain white unicorn flashed in her mind, and she had to contain a grimace. Well, Bluebelle thought, he’s not in Ponyville anymore. He’s going to learn rather quickly that the ponies here are going to treat him rather differently. “Well, that is all good,” She replied as she stood up, “But for now, I still have work to do. I have to speak with the winds today, and-”
“So you actually get to speak with the Anemoi?” Prince Dusk Shine said too loudly for Bluebelle’s comfort. “You actually speak with the spirits of the wind?”
“Of course,” she stated matter-of-factly, “How else would I get them to do what I ask?”
“That is so fascinating,” he replied, “I was just finishing up some light reading on the ancient Poneric epic of Odysseus and they mentioned one of the wind spirits in them, but I always thought they were simply personifications and that you worked with the winds as a magical ability.” Dusk Shine leapt out of his chair, which increased Bluebelle’s discomfort even more. He began pacing in front of the chair. “To think, the wind spirits are actual, beings.” He said to himself, “Are they ponies, too? Do they have personalities? I would love, just love, to meet one.”
Dusk Shine turned to Bluebelle with a large smile on his face. There are those lavender eyes again, she thought, though for a moment, she swore that she saw stars in them. His smile widened even further, and his eyes began to glisten pleadingly. Oh no, she thought, he is going to want to meet them. She was prepared to order him out of her suite, but something caught her eye. She could only see curiosity in his gaze; he was genuinely interested in meeting the wind spirits. She couldn’t tell if his child-like gaze was naïve or not, but it was a gaze that she was unused to. Bluebelle thought for a moment before closing her eyes and sighing, fearing that she would regret what she was about to say.
“Would you like to meet one of them?” The excited whinny that escaped from Dusk Shine’s muzzle was the second most surprising thing he did in Bluebelle’s mind. The most surprising thing happened right after that, when she saw his horn light up and a scroll and ink well appeared in midair. And there’s the regret, She thought as she used her magic to envelop Dusk Shine, who was in mid-hop. The scroll and inkwell disappeared in a flash of light.
“Aww.” He said dejectedly.
“Dusk, listen,” Bluebelle said, “You are to simply sit in the corner of the room. You are not to touch anything. You are not to say anything. Do I make myself crystal clear?” Dusk Shine nodded and Bluebelle turned to The Wind Room, still carrying him in her aura. She sat him down roughly on the tiles of the room and watched as he looked over at the map, then the table, and finally to the pillar. His eyes widened, but he remained silent. Bluebelle went to the center of the room and levitated the crystal she had been handling before the interruption. She turned back to Dusk Shine. “Before I bring Boreas forth, you need to know something about him.”
“What?” he replied.
“Boreas can be a bit to handle at first.” She continued. “He gets distracted a bit easily, and can be a bit… random.”
“I’m friends with Bubble Berry,” he replied, “I think I can deal with random.”
Bluebelle set the crystal on top of the dome. “Boreas, spirit of the northern wind, I call you forth. Come forward, and perform your duties to the earth.”
The dome was filled with white smoke, and a bright blue pony with a white mane appeared. Bluebelle shook her head when she realized that he wasn’t aware that he had been called forth. He spun around in circles while snowflakes danced around him. He was laughing and then he stuck out his tongue to catch one of the snowflakes in his mouth, only to look into her eyes through the dome.
“Hewwo, Pwintheth.” He said with his tongue still sticking out.
Bluebelle simply arched an eyebrow at him, and he looked down at his tongue. He quickly stuck his tongue back into his mouth and coughed.
“I mean, Your Highness, Princess of the Winds, how am I needed today?” He said in a rote manner.
“I can see you’re having fun.” She answered. “Has Zephyrus paid you a visit today?”
Boreas’s legs began to move, but though he remained in the same place, Bluebelle knew it was simply a trick of the glass dome. He was walking somewhere. He finally approached a snowpony and started putting snow on top of it to work on a mane. He then placed a top hat on it.
“Why no, I can’t say that he has.”
Bluebelle looked in between Boreas and the snowpony. She chuckled to herself.
“Boreas, you know Zephyrus hates that.”
Boreas placed a hoof on his chin.
“You know what? You’re right.” Boreas said as he continued to pile more snow on the snowpony.
“I’m serious, Boreas. Let him out.”
“You’re always serious, Princess.” He replied, only to look into Bluebelle’s eyes. “Ugh… fine.”
Boreas waved his hooves in the air and the snowpony melted to reveal Zephyrus. Zephyrus glared at Boreas and then a devious smile appeared on his face.
“Winter wrap up winter wrap up!” Zephyrus sang at the top of his lungs.
“Stop!” Boreas shouted. “I hate that song!”
“Let’s finish our holiday cheer!”
“Boys!” Bluebelle shouted.
She heard Dusk Shine snicker behind her. She turned around and glared at him, and his snickering stopped. She turned back to the two wind spirits. This was not how she wanted her job to be perceived. Yes, the wind spirits were her closest friends, but sometimes she felt like she was their mother, as well. As the Emissary of Aeolus, the King of the Winds, it was true in a way.
“Boreas,” Bluebelle asked, “Do you know why you were called?”
“Who’s the purple cutie in the corner?”
She blushed and turned around to Dusk Shine, whose eyes went wide.
“Boreas, Zephyrus, this is the newest royal member of Equestria, Prince Dusk Shine, Prince of Magic.”
Dusk Shine stood up and bowed slightly to the glass dome. “It is an honor to be in your presence.” Bluebelle watched as Boreas’s smile grew.
“Well, if you consider it an honor to meet like this, you can always come up here.” Boreas grinned maniacally, “I’m a lot bigger face to face.” Bluebelle saw Zephyrus’s eyes shift back and forth in between her and Dusk Shine. A smile crept on his face and he reached a hoof to smack Boreas in the back of the head. “Ow!” Boreas shouted, “Princess, Zephyrus hit me!”
“That is no way to speak to the Princess’s new friend.” Zephyrus replied.
Boreas looked to Prince Dusk Shine, and then to Bluebelle. A smile appeared on his face as well. “Oh my stars,” Boreas giggled, “This is so exciting!” Bluebelle was about to tell Boreas and Zephyrus off and say that he was not her friend, but her mind went back to the innocent way he looked at her. She knew he didn’t do anything to deserve any more humiliation.
“Boreas,” Bluebelle said, “You have to retreat from the Seaddle area. They are already a week behind on the Spring schedule. Zephyrus has tasks to perform in the area.”
Boreas considered what she said for a moment. She watched as Zephyrus trotted to Boreas and whispered into his ear. Boreas looked at Prince Dusk shine again and squeaked with delight for a moment. He cleared his throat and looked into Bluebelle’s eyes.
“Oh Princess, Your Highness,” Boreas said dramatically, “I now see the error of my ways. You are so wise and just.”
Zephyrus nudged Boreas’s side.
“And… beautiful!” He shouted. “Your beautiful fur rivals that of a pure white snow. Your mane rivals the untamed beauty of the summer sun!" Both Zephyrus and Bluebelle face hoofed. I can’t believe they’re doing this, she thought.
“Now, if you two will excuse me,” she said, “I still need to meet with Lips and Eurus.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Zephyrus replied and then he turned to Dusk Shine. “And it was a pleasure to meet you, Prince Dusk Shine.”
Dusk Shine waved awkwardly at the two wind spirits. Bluebelle levitated the crystal from the dome and the two wind spirits disappeared in a puff of white smoke.
“So,” Dusk Shine said, “Boreas is… energetic.”
“Yes,” Bluebelle replied as she set the stone back in place, “Let’s go with that. Still, they’re my friends.”
“And what are your friends in Canterlot like?” Prince Dusk Shine asked.
“You’re going to learn very quickly,” Bluebelle said as she turned to him, “that the ponies of Canterlot are quite different from those ponies you know in the hamlet of Ponyville.”
“I can make friends here, too, you know.” He replied. “Learning about friendship is kind of my thing.”
Bluebelle looked at Dusk Shine. His eyes had the same look as before. He has to just be naïve, she thought. She was about to tell him off again, but then she realized that she didn’t need to do anything to erase that look from his eyes. All she had to do was introduce him to the citizens of Canterlot and that look would go away on its own.
“Thank you so much for letting me meet an Anemoi,” Dusk Shine said, “even though it was a bit awkward.”
“Well what can you expect?” Bluebelle asked. “Being an immortal being makes one stop caring about social standards and cultural norms.”
“Bluebelle,” he said, “I promise that I will help make this your best birthday.
“Why does it matter to you so much?"
Dusk Shine smiled. “Because I’ve learned something today.” He said. “I want you to know that’s what friends do.”
Dusk Shine bowed his head and trotted out of the room, leaving behind a shocked Bluebelle. She shook her head and turned back to the dome. A small wave of magic left her horn and echoed off of the crystals.
I will not break, my heart won’t bend For, in the end, you are my friend
Prince Dusk Shine and Princess Bluebelle looked at the scene before them. Red and white streamers had been tied to the large chandelier that hung in the middle of the ballroom ceiling. They flowed outward and touched the walls, giving the impression of a circus tent. The velvety purple drapes that covered the large windows facing the Royal Canterlot Gardens had been taken down, only to be replaced by bright red curtains. For a moment, neither pony spoke, but Dusk Shine finally found his voice.
“I also received news that there are going to be ice sculptures in the shape of various animals.” He said. “Celestia also had animal masks made. It seems she’s trying to give you some cross between a circus and masquerade theme.”
Dusk Shine turned to Bluebelle and watched as she trotted to the center of the room. She looked up at the chandelier and charged her horn. One by one, the streamers dissolved into nothingness. When she was done, she turned to Prince Dusk Shine.
“Dusk,” Bluebelle asked, “Are you going to help me or am I going to have to do this by myself?”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Get rid of those abominations covering the windows.”
Dusk Shine nodded his head. A purple aura surrounded each curtain and they too disappeared into the void. A moment later, the room was laid bare. He heard Bluebelle sigh, and when he turned around he saw that she was lost in thought. Then again, his own mind had begun to wander back to their interaction that morning. The Anemoi had been fascinating, even though Boreas’s gaze did linger on him longer than he was comfortable. What had fascinated him even more, however, was that Bluebelle had laughed. She actually laughed. Technically it was more of a chuckle, he thought. In all the times he had seen her interact with anypony, she was always blunt to the point of rudeness. But as Dusk Shine looked at the events, three things checked off in his mind. One, Bluebelle didn’t have to let him into that room. Two, she acted like a completely different pony when she spoke with the Anemoi than when she is interacting with anypony. The most important thing that he noticed was the Bluebelle didn’t stop Zephyrus when he called him her friend, nor did she say anything when he said the same thing.
But what does that mean, Dusk Shine thought, and the theories began to write themselves into his mind like notes on a chalkboard. Was it the compliment on her furniture, he thought, only to dismiss it a moment later; it didn’t change her demeanor. Was it me trying to empathize with her plight of dealing with the party, he thought next, only to dismiss that thought, as well.
Finally, one theory rose above the others. Her demeanor changed when I showed interest in the Anemoi, he thought. Nopony outside of the royalty really knew that Bluebelle controlled the winds. Maybe sharing common interests with her is the key. There was something else she had said, however, and it floated in the back of his mind.
“Ah, a blank slate.” Bluebelle said, snapping Dusk Shine out of his thoughts. “I was thinking maybe something jazz inspired, like the party scene from Fitzpony’s The Great Trotsby.”
Dusk Shine smiled. “I love that book,” he said, “but I would have thought you were more of a classical music type mare.”
Bluebelle quirked an eyebrow. “And why would you assume that?” She asked.
“I don’t know.” Dusk Shine replied, trying to hide his blush. “You just seem so proper all of the time.”
“Just because I hate the thought of getting dirty doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good Buck Pongione now and then.”
“He is great on the flugelhorn.” Dusk Shine replied, “And you can’t forget about Nina Simpony.” He watched as Bluebelle closed her eyes for a moment. She opened her mouth and started to sing.
“Pony’s kindness is overflowing.”
“And I think it’s gonna rain today.” Dusk Shine sang, adding his voice to hers. “So, Jazz Era theme it is.” He charged his horn and a scroll, quill, and ink well appeared. He began to scratch out the items needed. “We should check on the food preparations.” Bluebelle opened her mouth as though to say something, but then she stopped and nodded her head. Together, they left the ball room and entered the hall to make their way to the kitchen. As they trotted through the hall, the light of the morning sun shone through the windows, and the moved in and out of the shadows. “Bluebelle,” Dusk Shine asked, “this morning, you said something about the ponies here being different than my friends in Ponyville. What did you mean by that?” Dusk Shine nearly bumped into Princess Bluebelle due to how quickly she stopped. He looked on as she cocked her head, as though preparing carefully what she wanted to say.
“Do you like chess, Dusk?” she asked.
“Who doesn’t?” he answered.
Bluebelle nodded and then began to walk again. “Then think of it this way,” she continued, “Every day for them is like a new game of chess. They are the white side and everypony else is the potential black side. Their goal, in every interaction, is to make sure that they either win or at least get a stalemate. All of the ponies in Canterlot have one goal in mind, and that is to continually climb up the social ladder, or at least not get knocked down.” The two walked by the main gallery of the Day Court, and as they passed by the open door, they could see a stallion standing in front of Princess Celestia. The stallion had dark blue fur and a thin white mane. His cutie mark looked similar to both his and Bluebelle’s, but on closer inspection, he saw that it was simply a white starburst. He was speaking passionately, and every now and then, a camera would flash.
“Take that stallion, Blue Moon, for instance,” she said as they continued down the hallway, “He’s an astronomer. Now why in Equestria would we need astronomers when we have Aunt Luna? He knows this, and so he has to come here, every so often, to argue about some error Aunt Luna made with one of the constellations, or a false meteor shower.” The two paused for a moment and continued to look at the scene. Princess Celestia looked up at them for a moment before raising her eyebrow. The two continued on their way. “The pictures that the reporters took will end up on some page in the newspapers,” she continued, “portraying him as a stallion who is standing up to Aunt Luna, or at least doing his part to keep her in line. Once he’s done here, he will probably end up at some small party tonight to regale the guests with his story of how he is the only astronomer to have noticed Aunt Luna’s error. He moves up in the intelligentsia circle, and perhaps even knocks down some other astronomers’ social ranking.”
“That sounds horrible.” Dusk Shine replied.
The two turned a corner and stood in front of the door to the kitchen. “It sounds horrible because it is horrible.” Bluebelle replied. “That is the type of pony that lives in Canterlot.”
An aura began to glow around the kitchen door, but Dusk Shine stopped her. “But that’s only Canterlot.” He said. “There aren’t any ponies like that in Ponyville.”
“Oh really?” Princess Bluebelle asked as she backed away from the door. “What about your friend Elusive?”
Dusk Shine was taken aback. “You were the one who was cold to him the entire time.” He said, his voice rising. “All he did was treat you like a princess and in the end it only got him a ruined suit.”
“I had my reasons.”
“You pushed him in front of you and then freaked out when he got understandably angry from the cake.”
“Did Elusive even tell you why he was courting me that night?” Bluebelle asked.
“He said he thought he was going to meet the mare of his dreams there.”
“Oh please,” she replied, “I overheard him talking with Hoity Toity that night. All he talked about to him was how he was hoping to have a fashion show here. And what better way to promote his line than by getting a princess to model them?”
“He never mentioned-”
“So yes,” Bluebelle snapped, “I was cold to him. I don’t like being manipulated, and I don’t like being lied to. So, as I’ve said, living with these types of ponies all my life, I can see when somepony it trying to use me. I have chosen to stay away from that, and if that means that I have to be alone, then so be it.”
“Well then why didn’t you just tell him that you knew?” Dusk Shine asked.
“I wanted to see if he would pony up and admit to it, and to be honest, he may have at some point.” Bluebelle closed her eyes and shivered. “But then that cake flew at me and I panicked. Just the thought of being covered in-”
Dusk Shine watched as her eyes went wide for a moment and then she shook her head. She turned to the door and used her magic to open it. Dusk Shine entered just in time to see her gallop over to the sink and turn on the faucet. She shook her head as she began to wash her hooves. A minute later, she turned off the faucet and turned around to the head chef, who immediately bowed his head.
“Princess Bluebelle, Dusk Shine,” he said, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Bluebelle looked over to Prince Dusk Shine. He cleared his throat and took out his scroll. “Good morning, Dior” he said, “Please, just Dusk Shine will do. We were just here to go over the menu for the princess’s birthday.” He looked over to Bluebelle, who was now eyeing him curiously.
“Well, Dusk Shine,” Chef Dior replied, “we have many types of food for the party, but I am proud to say that I have created a delight for the senses with my Big Top Cakes.”
“Big Top Cakes?” He asked.
Chef Dior nodded and made his way to the refrigerator. He began humming to himself as he pulled out a small desert cake and set it on the table. It looked similar to a cupcake, with the exception being that the top came to a point. The icing was red and white, just like a circus tent.
Big Top Cakes, Big Top Cakes Though through many mistakes I have made this perfect little dish Now I have to decide Just what to put inside Of course princess, I shall do what you wish.
Dusk Shine turned to Bluebelle and spoke out of the side of his muzzle to avoid being noticed by Chef Dior, who was now spinning in circles with the tray of cakes. “Is he always this enthusiastic when it comes to his cooking?”
“It’s not that,” Bluebelle replied, “Canterlot Castle can sometimes be a silly place.” He turned back to the chef. As Chef Dior spun around, Dusk Shine noticed that the cake frosting changed colors.
Ah I’ve seen that you’ve seen That my cupcakes, they gleam Different colors when held in the light That’s the frosting I made Using magic instead See how it turns red then white?
“I’m going to tell him the theme has changed.” Bluebelle whispered as Chef Dior continued on with his song.
“At least let him finish.” Dusk Shine replied. “It will give us some time to deliver the message tactfully.” Bluebelle arched an eyebrow, only to have Dusk Shine continue to stare. “You can tell he put a lot of work into these cakes.” The two were interrupted by a coughing sound, and when they turned, they saw Chef Dior staring at them. “Sorry,” Dusk Shine replied.
“As I was saying,” the chef continued as he cleared his throat once again.
'Cause it makes it taste nice
“So what do you think?” Chef Dior asked, but when Bluebelle opened her muzzle to speak, he gasped.
By Celestia’s Sun! I forgot to mention How delicious these Big Top Cakes are Here are forks, take a bite Here we go, open wide Now your taste buds should be seeing stars
The two took a bite of the cakes. Chef Dior’s eyes widened and he leaned forward expectantly.
Tell me is it all right? The taste, a delight! A dessert sensation, I know Every Canterlot pony will be asking for me! Who’s the chef who made those Big Top Cakes?
Chef Dior’s grin reemerged from his face as he looked at the two royals.
“The little carnival theme that Aunt Celestia came up with has been replaced.” She said. “The theme is now going to be a jazz era one. See to it that the cakes are replaced accordingly.” Dusk Shine winced at the coldness of Bluebelle’s declaration. He watched as the chef’s smile faded away as quickly as it had appeared. Dusk Shine’s and Bluebelle’s eyes met for a moment, and he watched as her eyes softened. She hesitated, but then turned back to the chef. “The cake was delicious though, and the concept is interesting.” She said. “Maybe you can just alter the icing to change to gold and silver? That’s a color theme that resembles jazz.”
The smile reappeared on the chef’s face again and he nodded.
“Consider it done, princess.”
The two royals nodded and headed out the door. As soon as the door shut behind them, Dusk Shine turned to Bluebelle.
“Thank you.” He said.
“For what?” She asked.
“You didn’t have to make him feel better, but you did. Did you see how you got him to smile again?”
Bluebelle turned and flipped her tail at him. “It’s those eyes of yours.” She replied. “They get a weird spark in them sometimes. It actually looks like your cutie mark. Maybe your special talent is mind control.”
A smile crept up Dusk Shine’s face. He caught up with her so that she could see the smirk on his face. “Maybe somepony is seeing the magic of friendship.” He replied in a singsong voice.
“Yeah, if only you could figure out how to control the minds of everypony in Canterlot, we’d be set.”
“No,” Dusk Shine replied, “I don’t want to be a tabloid reporter.”
“Heh.”
Dusk Shine stopped in his tracks. “Did I…” he asked. “Did I just get you to laugh?”
“No.”
“Come on…”
“It was more of a cough, really.”
“If you say so.” Dusk Shine kept his muzzle shut, but the smile remained. They continued to walk for a while until they got to the main hall of the castle. The sound of cameras clicking caught their attention, and they both turned to see a group of tourists walking through the castle. Why am I suddenly so chipper, Dusk Shine thought, this morning I was so upset. Ever since I saw Bluebelle, all I’ve been trying to do was-. He stopped for a moment. He was the Prince of Magic, but he was also the former pupil of Princess Celestia herself, tasked with the singular purpose of learning friendship. Though he no longer wrote letters to her, the thought of solving a friendship problem always excited him.
He looked over to Bluebelle, who had continued on through the main hall to the front doors. He watched as the sunlight caught in her mane and flowed down her neck. She moved around the tour group and the guards as though they weren’t even there. To Dusk Shine, it looked as though she was simply floating through the scene, believing herself to not be part of it. She just needs to see what a true friend can be. She needs a true, true friend. He thought back to his time in Ponyville, when Bubble Berry tried with all his might to make Cranky Doodle Donkey his friend and to make him smile. Bubble Berry had told him that he just couldn’t stop until he became his friend and smiled. Maybe it’s an elemental thing, he thought. Dusk Shine galloped until he caught up with her again. They stood at the entrance to the castle, looking ahead at the city of Canterlot. He took a step outside, but turned back when he saw that Bluebelle hesitated. Bluebelle,” Dusk Shine asked, “Are you all right?”
“Actually,” Bluebelle replied, “I realized that I still have work to do with Apeliotus regarding some storms near Dodge Junction. I can trust you to complete that checklist of yours on your own without messing it up too badly.” Before he could say anything, Princess Bluebelle turned around and trotted back into the castle. Prince Dusk Shine began to trot down the stairs of the castle.
“It’s all right,” he said to himself, “You’ll be fine. You just need to make sure that everything goes perfectly.” Dusk Shine paused. Wait, he thought, what jazz era does she want? Does she wants the early Fitzpony Jazz Age or the Zebra-Equestrian Big Band Jazz Age? Dusk Shine’s breathing quickened and he began to gallop away from the castle.
*****
The door to Bluebelle’s suite swung open as she galloped inside. As soon as she was in her room, she slammed the doors shut. She looked around the room for a moment, and then her eyes locked onto the seat Dusk Shine had sat at. She focused her magic, levitated the cushion, fluffed the indentations out of it, and then set it back down. She then made her way to the Wind Room. She floated a crystal through the air and set it on top of the glass dome.
“Zephyrus, spirit of the western wind, I call you forth. Come forward, and perform your duties to the earth.”
Zephyrus appeared with a smile on his muzzle.
“Ah, Princess,” he said, “How is your friend Prince Dusk Shine doing?”
Bluebelle glared into the glass. “Don’t call him that.” She replied.
“What happened?”
Bluebelle paced back and forth around the room. “I don’t know,” she replied, “But I can’t seem to figure out his angle. And I don’t know why it’s just him. I have learned to read the eyes of every pony I meet. I can tell if they want to get in with Aunt Celestia. Tartarus, after just a minute I can tell how they want to use even me.”
“Hasn’t it occurred to you that he doesn’t think like the ponies in Canterlot?” Zephyrus asked.
Bluebelle stopped and turned to the window. Even from a distance, she could still make out Dusk Shine’s form as he trotted away from the castle. “He’ll learn how to think like them,” she replied, “eventually.”
“Are you telling this to me?” Zephyrus asked. “Or to yourself?”
“Well then why would he want to be my friend?” Bluebelle blurted out. She watched as Zephyrus placed a hoof on his chin.
“Maybe because he knows you need one?”
Bluebelle paused. A thought came to her the next moment. There was one voice that she could trust. “I think I’m going to go talk to my aunt.”
“Princess Celestia would know many things about the prince.” Zephyrus replied.
“That’s why I’m not going to talk to her.” Bluebelle said as she began to levitate the crystal away from the dome.
“I wish the best for you, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.” She replied. “For everything.” Zephyrus disappeared. Bluebelle took a deep breath and made her way out of the Wind Room to find her Aunt Luna.
“If I can just find a way to reuse the ice sculptures… yeah, that’s it.”
It was late enough in the morning that ponies were trotting through Canterlot Park. As they went about their day, however, the ponies did their best to ignore the purple alicorn prince who was now seated at one of the park benches, muttering to himself as he levitated a checklist in front of him. If they did pay attention to him, they would have noticed a small twitch in his eye.
“Why don’t I just send for Bubble Berry? Oh Celestia, I still have to send invitations to my friends.”
A quill levitated from Dusk Shine’s saddlebag, and another entry was placed at the bottom of the checklist. He jumped off of the bench and began to make his way through the park. All of the stores that had the supplies he needed were on the other side of the river that cut through the center of Canterlot. As he made his way through town, he nodded and smiled to the ponies as they passed by. I don’t know what Bluebelle is talking about, Dusk Shine thought, all of the ponies here are friendly.
Dusk Shine reached the bridge that led to the other side of the city, but to his dismay, he saw that the carts were backed up from one side of the bridge to the other.
“Great,” Dusk Shine said, “Now I’m going to be even further behind schedule.”
He held the checklist up to his muzzle and turned around, only to crash into another pony.
“Oomph. I’m so sorry.” Dusk Shine said apologetically.
“It’s quite all right,” a feminine voice replied softly.
Dusk Shine lowered his checklist and saw a tall unicorn. Her pink and white mane flowed down her head and curled around her neck.
“Sorry, I was just distracted, Miss. Wait, I know you.”
“Oh, My Liege, where are my manners? Fleur De Lis.”
The unicorn bowed her head, but Dusk Shine stopped her.
“Please, there’s no need for that.”
Fleur De Lis rose up and looked at Dusk Shine, who now noticed how her eyes nearly matched her mane. She chuckled to herself and turned to the bridge.
“Well, this is a problem. I have to be at a modeling audition. So, Prince Dusk Shine, why don’t you simply fly over?”
Dusk Shine lowered his head slightly and turned his gaze to his wings.
“I, uh, I still can’t quite get the hang of it.”
“And teleporting? I hear you’re adept at it.”
“I try not to perform magic like that. It’s actually quite draining.”
Fleur De Lis chuckled again. Dusk Shine’s ears twitched at the sound.
“Well then,” she replied, “It seems we have the same problem.”
Dusk Shine took another look at the blocked bridge. He looked at his checklist, and then to Fleur De Lis.
“I have an idea.” Dusk shine said.
“Oh?”
“Come with me. I can get us across with the royal chariot.”
Fleur De Lis batted her eyes and blushed.
“You don’t have to do that.” She said.
“Nonsense. There’s room.”
“Well then, thank you, My Liege.”
“Please, just call me Dusk Shine.”
“You truly are a gentlecolt, Dusk Shine.”
The way she said his name came out in almost a whisper. Dusk Shine gave her an awkward smile, and together they made their way back to the castle. They reached the landing area of the royal chariot, where they saw two pegasi playing cards.
“I call.” One of the guards said as he revealed his cards.
“Buck, a royal flush? Seriously?”
The first pegasus laughed.
“You have to take over my kitchen duty.”
“I hate kitchen duty,” the second pegasus said, “that chef sings all the time.”
Dusk Shine cleared his throat, and the two guards leaped to their hooves and saluted.
“My Liege,” the first pegasus said, “how can we be of assistance?”
“I hate to interrupt your game,” Dusk Shine replied with a smirk, “but I was hoping that you could assist Miss De Lis and me by taking us across the river.”
“Of course, sir,” the second Pegasus replied as he tried not to look at the prince’s wings.
Dusk Shine hopped into the chariot and held his hoof out for Fleur De Lis, who smiled as she took it. Moments later, the two were in the air. Dusk Shine’s ear twitched as he heard one of the guards humming a very familiar tune.
“So,” Dusk Shine said as he turned to Fleur De Lis, “what modeling audition brings you to the other side of Canterlot?”
Fleur De Lis blushed as she ran a hoof through her mane.
“It’s for the annual Maretoria’s Secret Fashion Show.”
It was now Dusk Shine’s turn to blush. He scratched his foreleg with a hoof.
“Well, that’s, um, interesting.”
“You look positively embarrassed, Dusk Shine.” Fleur De Lis laughed.
There was a sudden gust of wind, and the two pegasi grunted as they worked to keep the chariot steady. Fleur De Lis tumbled forward and landed next to Dusk Shine, whose cheeks became even redder.
“My apologies.” Fleur De Lis said as she regained her balance.
“It… It’s all right. So what does Fancy Pants think of you auditioning for this job?”
“Oh, he and I are separated.”
“I’m sorry.” Dusk Shine replied.
“Don’t be,” Fleur De Lis smiled, “It was an amicable separation. But what brings you to the other side of Canterlot?”
“Well, Princess Celestia has put me in charge of Bluebelle’s party this year to make sure that things go well, and-.”
“Oh,” Fleur De Lis shouted, “I remember her birthday party last year.”
Fleur De Lis shook her head.
“Those poor guards.”
“Which is why I need to make sure this party goes well. The thing is, I’m really good at organizing things, but I don’t have much experience with parties.”
“Well, I can help you out with that.” Fleur De Lis replied.
Dusk Shine’s ears perked up. The chariot began to descend onto the landing strip on the other side of the river.
“Really?” He asked.
“Of course. Why don’t I meet you at Earl Grey Café at ten?”
The chariot landed and Dusk Shine hopped off, once again offering his hoof to Fleur De Lis.
“I… I think that would be great.”
Fleur De Lis nodded and turned to walk away. Before she left, she turned back to Dusk Shine.
“You truly are a gentlecolt,” she said, “Thank you so much for the ride.”
“You’re welcome,” Dusk Shine smiled, “Good luck with the audition.”
Fleur De Lis chuckled once again and winked at Dusk Shine.
“Oh, I always get the part that I want.” Fleur De Lis’s smirked as she bowed her head slightly. “My Liege.”
*****
Earl Grey Café stood at the corner of Mane Street and Trottingham Avenue. Dusk Shine sat at a green covered table outside and watched as the clock tower clicked closer to ten o’clock. In front of him were numerous checklists depending on what style of jazz theme he would decide to use. Bluebelle seemed to be most familiar with Zebra-Equestrian Jazz.
“Checking your checklists, Dusk Shine?”
Dusk Shine jolted up at the sound of Fleur De Lis’s voice. She smiled gently down at him as she made her way to the open chair. Dusk Shine’s aura glowed around the chair and it moved back to allow for her to sit down. She nodded her head to him and sat down.
“Triple checking it, actually.” Dusk Shine replied. “I need to make sure that this goes well. How did the audition go?”
“I will be their showcase piece of the evening.” She replied with a wry smile.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She said as she levitated one of the checklists in front of her. “So, a jazz theme?”
“Yes.” Dusk Shine answered.
“Well then, you have definitely come to the proper mare for the job.”
The two were interrupted by the waiter, who immediately bowed to Dusk Shine.
“My Liege, I am thrilled to have your patronage. What can I get for you and your marefriend?”
“I will have a cup of jasmine tea and a watercress sandwich, if you could be so kind.” Fleur De Lis said.
“I will have your classic Earl Grey.” Dusk Shine said. “I had a bit of cake this morning.”
The grey unicorn smiled. His thin white moustache twitched as he turned around and headed back inside. Dusk Shine turned to Fleur De Lis.
“Listen,” he said, “I want to thank you for helping me. You don’t have to, but I’m really glad to have another pony more familiar with Canterlot. It’s been years since I’ve been here, so I’m still getting used to things here.”
Fleur De Lis smiled and looked into Dusk Shine’s eyes.
“I know,” she replied, “that’s what makes me so nice.”
When I first saw you standing there, confused and in despair I thought to myself, “Hey, why is this prince in such despair?” And then in my head wheels began to turn. And whether it’s a nice soiree Or simply just a nice party I know, I know, you do not want to get burned.
The waiter returned and placed the orders on the table. He nodded to both ponies and then made his way to his other customers.
Since this is for Bluebelle She can be difficult, yes I can tell I know my… reputation has been earned Because I have learned. Indeed… I know… that... I… am.
Fleur De Lis levitated her cup of tea and took a quick sip.
The proper mare Yes, I am the proper mare to help find the stores to shop ‘til you want to drop to make sure you cannot fail. ahh I can find what songs to sing And what bands to bring Down to every small detail Proper mare You just need the proper mare! Who knows what Hors d'oeuvres to serve, ‘Cause they all deserve To have the time of their lives
Fleur De Lis finished the rest of her tea and slipped her sandwich into her saddlebag. She reached over and pulled Dusk Shine out of his seat and threw a large amount of bits onto the table.
So let’s go And I will help make this party thrive…
Dusk Shine found himself being dragged by the hoof through the street. A few of the ponies looked over at him with confused looks on their faces. He returned their gazes with a lopsided grin and a blush. Moments later, they were in front of a small party supply store. A light pink aura surrounded the door, and they trotted inside.
I’m sure there is no budget, you don’t need to worry, ‘Cause you have the backing of the Royal Treasury, Take a look around and I am sure that you will see The perfect streamer, Oh, this one’s made of silver! Now you see why I’m the Proper Mare
Fleur De Lis levitated large swaths of silver and gold fabric from their spools over to Dusk Shine, who smiled and teleported them back to the castle. He then used his magic to make a note appear. It had a Royal Seal for the proprietor to redeem it at the Office of the Royal Treasury. Satisfied with their purchases, they headed back out of the store. Fleur De Lis pointed her hoof down the street.
There’s a store not far from here It’s a record label I’m sure you’re able To find a band everypony wants to hear
“It’s a start.” Dusk Shine replied.
Oh don’t be so nervous You really have nothing to fear.
Dusk Shine’s eyes widened as Fleur De Lis trotted into the street.
“Cart!” Dusk Shine shouted.
He used his magic to pull her back onto the sidewalk. A moment later, a taxi pony barreled through the street, barely missing her. Fleur De Lis turned to Dusk Shine and smiled sheepishly while tucking her ears down. They reached the record store and smiled to the DJ at the counter.
“Hello,” Dusk Shine said, “Could you help us find a jazz group?”
“Of course, My Liege. What’s the occasion?”
“We’re planning a birthday ball for Princess Bluebelle.”
The DJ’s eye twitched. Dusk Shine rolled his eyes.
“We asked her what music she wanted this time.”
The DJ breathed a sigh of relief and pulled out a large book from beneath the counter. Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis flipped through the pages. Fleur De Lis placed her hoof on a page that contained an image of a trio of unicorns.
How do “The Three Unihorns” sound? I bet they’d be fun to have around
“It’s not quite what I had in mind, though, Miss De Lis.” Dusk Shine replied.
He flipped to another page. This one had a picture of a zebra duo. A male zebra held a saxophone in his hooves while a female stood in front of a microphone.
Known throughout all of Equestria Approved of by Princess Celestia It says here that they call themselves the…
“Black Ivory.” The DJ answered for her.
“So, they’re quite popular?” Dusk Shine asked.
“Oh yes.” The DJ responded. “Incredibly popular.”
Dusk Shine turned to Fleur De Lis, whose smile had gotten much larger.
I think we should book them now And now you see how The proper mare to help you out Is me.
Another Royal Note was written and levitated to the DJ. Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis looked at one another. He looked into her pink eyes again and noticed how her eyelids narrowed slightly. Dusk Shine gulped nervously and led the two of them out of the store.
“Why Dusk Shine,” Fleur De Lis said, “I do believe you’re blushing.”
“I just… wanted to say thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Dusk Shine reached up and scratched the back of his neck.
“If you’d like,” he continued, “Would you like to accompany me to the ball?”
Fleur De Lis placed a hoof on her chin. She looked back down and smiled at him.
I’d be honored to Go to the Ball with you And I can’t wait to see How we’ll look together You with a proper mare like me
Dusk Shine smiled. For a moment, neither of them moved. In the distance, a few more ponies turned their attention to the blushing prince and the model.
“Well, I need to get back to the castle to help put up some of these decorations. I’ll call on you tomorrow?”
Fleur De Lis smiled and nodded once more, allowing Dusk Shine to take his leave. She watched as he moved down the street back towards the castle. He turned a street corner and was gone. When she was sure he was away, she turned around and made her way towards an alleyway.
Yes, I’m the proper mare And soon, everypony shall see.
As she turned down the alleyway, she could hear the sound of pigeons as their cooing echoed against the walls. She looked up and saw a brown pegasus perched on the stairwell’s railing.
“Ugh,” Fleur De Lis said, “can you please not do that, Big Shot?”
Big Shot smirked and fluttered down from the railing. His golden mane was mostly kept under a newscolt hat, but tufts of it still flowed down.
“How did the audition go?”
Fleur De Lis groaned.
“Fortunately, my natural talent helped me get the part.” Fleur De Lis shook her head. “But the more time that passes, the more ponies stop seeing me associated with Fancy Pants.”
Big Shot raised a hoof to his muzzle and peered into it. He kept his hooves unusually shiny for a stallion.
“Aw, what a shame.” Big Shot replied in mock apology.
“Did you get the pictures?”
“Of course I did,” he replied, “Nice job at pretending to fall on him during the chariot ride.”
“I’m sure that picture will sell just fine. All I need to do is show up at the Ball with my little prince in tow, and then we both win.”
A large smile appeared on Big Shot’s face.
“I get my money selling the pictures, and more commissions.”
“And I find a way back to the top, just in time for Fashion Week.”
“Miss De Lis,” Big Shot tipped his hat in her direction and he prepared to fly off, “always a pleasure doing business.”
Fleur De Lis watched as Big Shot took off into the late morning sky. She stayed in the alleyway for a few minutes before trotting back out into the street.
Princess Bluebelle stood beneath Princess Luna’s banner – a grey crescent moon surrounded by four stars on a dark blue backdrop – and looked down the hallway. Unlike her other aunt, the hall that led to Princess Luna’s private quarters was windowless. In lieu of natural sunlight, the hallway was lit by torches. The hallway was definitely a throwback to how her aunts’ old castle looked; Princess Bluebelle had learned early on when Princess Luna returned that she preferred her own wing to be similar to how it looked before she tried to make the night permanent. The result was that each hoofstep echoed against the walls and that the corners that weren’t illuminated by torchlight made her feel dirty.
At the end of the hallway stood two of Princess Luna’s guards. Princess Bluebelle took a stance in front of the two thestrals and tossed her mane back as they bowed to her.
“Your Highness,” one of the guards said, “what brings you to Her Highness’ chambers?”
“I came to visit my aunt.”
Princess Bluebelle never faltered in her stance. She stared coldly at the guard who had spoken to her. The other guard cleared his throat and turned to the door but was stopped by a voice coming through the other side.
“Opening the door will not be necessary,” Princess Luna called out, “I shall open it myself.”
Princess Bluebelle smiled. As opposed to Princess Celestia, Princess Luna still hadn’t become used to the changes in culture as far as interacting with her subjects. The result was that she didn’t take kindly to the types of ponies that lived in Canterlot, a fact that Bluebelle appreciated.
A dark blue aura surrounded the door, and it opened. The guards took a step back and bowed once more to make way for Princess Bluebelle to enter Princess Luna’s private chambers. As soon as she entered, the doors closed behind her. She began to look for her aunt but was distracted by the sight of lights above her head. She craned her neck up; a replica of the night sky on the ceiling hovered above her. Every so often, a few of the stars in different constellations would shift back and forth. Princess Bluebelle heard the sound of giggling and turned her attention to the middle of the room, where she saw her aunt as she held a hoof up to her muzzle. Princess Luna stopped her giggling and stood up. The lights from the false stars above shone down, casting a soft glow around them. The light shimmered off of Princess Luna’s mane and tail, turning them into a replica of the night sky that had been created above them.
“Good morning, Auntie,” she said.
“Is there something that you needed, Bluebelle?”
There it was – the personality trait that Princess Bluebelle admired in her aunt. Sure, Princess Celestia was a much better diplomat than the princess of the night, but that was only because she learned it through a thousand years as sole ruler of Equestria, especially during its formative years. Princess Celestia had learned how to speak around any given topic, forcing the other conversation partner to make whatever request he or she wanted. Princess Celestia saw it as diplomacy. Princess Bluebelle saw it as manipulation. This was why she liked her Aunt Luna – she had never learned how to master the art of manipulative speaking. She was always direct – she knew that ponies came to her because they needed or simply wanted something from her and didn’t pretend to waste time with pleasantries. When Princess Luna had returned from her millennial exile, Princess Bluebelle saw it as though a new Anemoi had come back and breathed fresh air back into Canterlot.
“If I may ask, is there a reason why you were laughing so hard when you moved the stars around?” Princess Bluebelle noticed a devious smile spread across Princess Luna’s face.
“I was just imagining what would happen if I were to put some stars out of alignment and cast a spell to where only Blue Moon could see it.”
The two princesses looked at one another and then broke into a fit of laughter.
“So I take it you heard of his little tirade this morning?” Princess Bluebelle asked.
“I must admit that I overheard his… zealous argument in regards to the alignment of my night sky.” Princess Luna replied as she shook her head. “The nerve of some ponies. What, he thinks that just because I was trapped in the moon for a thousand years that I couldn’t sense the night sky?”
“That’s why you’re my favorite Auntie.” Princess Bluebelle replied as she trotted to her, wrapping her in a hug.
“Why, because I was banished for a millennium?” Princess Luna asked as she quirked an eyebrow.
Princess Bluebelle retreated from the hug, but was wrapped around again in Princess Luna’s embrace.
“Oh, stop.” Princess Luna continued. “I know how you feel about the ponies here. I find them just as insufferable. Did I tell you about the first time I tried to introduce myself as Luna instead of Nightmare Moon?”
“At least my attempts in Ponyville were met with success. The ponies of Canterlot didn’t even attempt to show respect, even after my sister declared my transformation back to myself.”
“I tried not to go out that night.” Princess Bluebelle said. “I just remembered the story that Dusk Shine told-.” Princess Bluebelle stopped as she felt a flush of blood rush to her cheeks. She felt her aunt loosen her grip on her as she looked up at her.
“So, you have come for a reason.” Princess Luna said with a smile.
Princess Bluebelle backed out of her aunt’s embrace once again and scoffed.
“It’s nothing like that, Auntie.” Princess Bluebelle replied as she tried to find her words. “It’s just… well, he’s really strange. He keeps going on and on about making friends here in Canterlot. He asks so many questions.” She trotted to an overstuffed chair, sat down, and propped her head up with her hooves on the armrest. “He’s just… weird.” She finally added.
Princess Luna moved from the center of the room and took a seat next to her. She lit up her horn, and the stars above them disappeared, leaving behind a pale blue ceiling. Her aura surrounded the nearby fireplace, and a fire roared to life moments later.
“What I’m curious to know is why you have come to me in regards to this matter.” Princess Luna replied with a tilt of her head. “Surely, you must know that your Aunt Celestia knows him far better.”
“Of course she does. That’s why I can’t go to her. She’s… biased.”
“Biased?” Princess Luna asked.
“Auntie, please. With all the letters Dusk Shine sends her? All of the missions he goes on at her request?”
“So, what is it that you want to ask me, then?”
Princess Bluebelle turned her attention to the fireplace and watched the flames lick at the stones for a moment. She knew that she had to find the right words to ask. After a few moments of staring into the flames, she finally decided what to ask.
“What kind of stallion do you think he is, Auntie? I’ve met some stallions in Canterlot… similar to him… but they are all just part of the intelligentsia who sit in their ivory academic towers and live in fairytales. Or, they end up like, well, Blue Moon.”
Princess Luna nodded and turned her attention to the fire. Together, they stared into the flames. Princess Bluebelle turned to her aunt and watched as she concentrated. Princess Luna took a deep breath and sighed.
“You know, Bluebelle, as the Princess of the Night, I can see into everypony’s dreams.”
Princess Bluebelle leaned in closer, but Princess Luna shook her head and held up a hoof.
“No, I will not tell you about what the stallions of Equestria dream about.”
Princess Bluebelle sighed and leaned back in her seat, ignoring the rather loud chuckling. The chuckling stopped and Princess Bluebelle turned her gaze back to her aunt. Princess Luna’s face had changed from happy to serious in only a moment.
“I’m going to tell you about the dreams that I have had.”
Princess Luna stood up and moved closer to the fireplace. Her horn lit up, and a dark blue aura began to form above them, creating a window. In the window stood Princess Luna, standing on the balcony of the Royal Observatory in the north tower. But it wasn’t of Canterlot Castle – it was of the old castle, the Castle of the Two Sisters. The moon rose behind her and the stars twinkled in the sky, but she looked down at the empty dirt roads and huts with the lights off.
In my dreams, I once saw ponies Running from my night No matter what I placed in the sky They still yearned for day’s light
The scene in the window changed, revealing Princess Luna standing in front of the two thrones of the old castle. Streams of darkness surrounded her, and Princess Luna became wrapped inside of a black orb. When the orb dissipated, Princess Luna was gone, leaving Nightmare Moon in her place.
Darkness became my one companion here I held to it with all my might That’s how I became convinced To make the endless night
In the scene, Nightmare Moon began to give chase to Princess Celestia. The two princesses flew through the air, Nightmare Moon shooting beams out of her horn to hit her enemy. Princess Bluebelle’s eyes widened as she watched Princess Celestia get hit by a beam of light and fall to the ground. A few moments later, however, she was back in the air, with the Elements of Harmony revolving around her.
I stood against the Princess of the Sun The elements began to gleam Then my banishment to shadows… These were once my dreams
The aural window went black; a silhouette of the moon appeared, revealing a landscape of Ponyville. All of the lights were out in the houses. There was nopony to be seen.
In my dreams I thought My night they’d shun That does not forgive the things That I had done
One thousand years, one thousand years waiting Dreaming of revenge The darkness stayed, we both remained The stars had to arrange
The image moved to the Town Hall of Ponyville, where all of the ponies had gathered to celebrate the Summer Sun Celebration. She saw Prince Dusk Shine appear and stared up at Nightmare Moon.
When I escaped, the darkness by my side I thought my dreams were coming true But that was the night I learned Something I never knew
Princess Bluebelle watched as the scene shifted to the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters. All six of the Bearers of the Elements were there. A single spark emitted from Prince Dusk Shine’s eyes.
That one spark… That spark from Dusk Shine…
Nightmare Moon returned to Princess Luna. The bright lights, the look of determination in Prince Dusk Shine’s eyes, and the look in Princess Luna’s eyes as she embraced Princess Celestia – all of these things came together for Princess Bluebelle, who couldn’t help but swallow a small lump that had formed in her throat.
Made me see, oh how it made me see How arrogant I had become That was when the darkness left And a new dream begun
The aural window faded to black, and the dark blue aura from Princess Luna’s magic disappeared. Princess Luna turned away from the fireplace and stood in the center of the room.
Dusk Shine saved, oh how Prince Dusk Shine saved Me from a fate worse than I’d seen Through his friendship forgiveness came Newly in… My… Dreams…
Neither mare moved. The crackling of the fire was the only sound that filled the room. Finally, Princess Bluebelle turned to her aunt, who simply stood still in the center of the room and looked back at her. Princess Bluebelle’s breathing became more noticeable. She finally rose up and stood next to her aunt.
“I guess that’s not the opinion of Dusk Shine that you expected me to give you?” Princess Luna asked.
“No," she answered, "but he simply saved you because he had to. We all know this. What does this have to do with what kind of stallion he is?”
Princess Luna chuckled and lit up her horn. A moment later, they were in the Hall of History, where the stained glass windows lined the walls. In front of the two princesses was the stained glass window of the defeat of Nightmare Moon. Princess Bluebelle looked up at the window. Nightmare Moon’s image was surrounded by three circles, which was itself encircled by a large purple circle. Beneath her, on the ground, stood Dusk Shine, along with the other Bearers of the Elements. The beams of purple light flowed around the heads of each of the stallions below. Princess Bluebelle had never looked at the details of the windows before, and so she had never noticed the looks on the faces of the stallions. There was no anger in their eyes, nor judgment – they all smiled serenely as the image of Nightmare Moon prepared to change to Princess Luna.
“Tell me,” Princess Luna asked. “Has Dusk Shine ever made a big deal of his heroics for the sake of Equestria?” Princess Bluebelle shook her head. “He hasn’t spoken of when he faced me.” She continued. “Nor when he faced Discord, nor Chrysalis, nor Sombra. Most other ponies would tell such stories to anypony they could.”
“You’re right.” Princess Bluebelle replied.
The two looked on at the window for another moment. The early morning light peered through the windows and bathed the two in multicolored light. Why does he have to be so different, Princess Bluebelle thought, why does he have to act so naively sincere?
“You are thinking of him.”
Princess Bluebelle turned her attention back to Princess Luna, who now stood directly over her with a stoic expression on her face. “I don’t understand him, Aunt Luna. Everypony that I have met has wanted to use me to further themselves in some way. Do you honestly want me to believe that he wants to be my friend for no other reason than that?”
Princess Luna touched a hoof to her chin and looked back up at the window. “Hmm, is that really what you want to ask me?”
Princess Bluebelle’s eyes widened. She realized that this was the double edged sword when it came to her aunt’s demeanor – she always had a way to cut to the question she knew the petitioner wanted to ask. Everything that was presented to her – his actions that morning, Aunt Celestia’s love for him, and now, the final pieces of evidence had been placed before her in chromatic glass. Princess Bluebelle sighed.
“It’s been so long, Auntie.” she said. “I don’t know how to make him my friend. Do I give him something? Do I grant him favors?”
The two princesses looked at each other for a moment. If Princess Bluebelle were to be honest, neither of the two of them were particularly skilled at making friends. Princess Luna usually hid in her private quarters most of the time. With the exception of Celestia and Bluebelle, she rarely conversed with anypony. Princess Bluebelle, on the other hoof, always managed to put herself above the clamoring of those around her. Still, Princess Luna cleared her throat and gave her answer.
“Technically, I think all you have to do is say to the other pony that you want to be their friend.”
“That’s it?” Princess Bluebelle asked.
“I think so.” Princess Luna replied. “I also think it involves something about finding common interests.”
“That would explain him talking about my furniture and the Anemoi.” Princess Bluebelle mused as she placed a hoof in her chin.
The two looked at each other and realized that they mirrored each other’s position. Each lowered her hoof to the floor and laughed softly.
“Well, Dusk Shine is not only the Prince of Magic; he is also one of the foremost experts on the subject of friendship.”
“Yes, I know that. I think Princess Celestia recently published a book with all of the letters that she and Dusk Shine wrote before he became an alicorn.”
“If anypony can answer your questions about friendship, it would be him.”
Princess Bluebelle looked down at the ground for a moment. Her mane fell down and covered her eyes. She knew that there was a thought in the back of her mind, but not even she knew exactly what it was.
“Dusk Shine is still in town.” Princess Bluebelle said.
“And I’m sure he’s already managed to make friends with one or two these, how do they say it nowadays, stuck up Canterlot ponies. Maybe he can help change the attitudes of these ponies for the better.”
“Maybe he can, Auntie.” Princess Bluebelle replied with a sigh. “Maybe.”
Princess Bluebelle suddenly felt a wing cover her shoulders and pull her into a hug. She felt a warm muzzle on the top of her head nuzzle her for a moment before the wing retreated. Princess Luna’s horn began to light up once again.
“I do love these conversations of ours, Bluebelle.” Princess Luna said. “I hope that everything goes well for you.”
“Your Highness.” Princess Bluebelle replied with a bow.
Princess Luna’s horn continued to light up, and soon there was only a dark blue orb. The dark blue orb disappeared, taking with it the occupant inside. Princess Bluebelle began to trot down the hall towards her own private quarters. Once she reached the main hall, she could hear the sounds of noble ponies continue with their arguments. She shook her head as though to keep the arguments out of her mind. In the distance, she could hear the tour groups as they continued along the main entryway to the castle. She heard a couple of cameras flash in her direction as she trotted from one side of the grand staircase to the other, but she chose to ignore it rather than her usual glare at whomever was taking the picture.
Princess Bluebelle finally reached her own quarters and stood at the entrance for a moment. Her horn lit up and her aura surrounded the doorknob. When she entered, she took a moment to look at the furniture that the stallion had commented on earlier that morning. She then continued on to the Wind Room and stared at the dome on the podium. She levitated the crystal that would call Boreas forth for a moment, but then decided against it. She then levitated the crystal of Zephyrus. Give them a chance, Princess… They’re not all the same, Princess… She remembered the advice Zephyrus had given her earlier that morning, shook her head, and set the crystal down. She then did the same with the other Anemoi before setting the final one down, as well. She knew that while she could see her relationship with the Anemoi as that of a friend, she knew that it was missing something. Princess Bluebelle knew that the Anemoi were more akin to her family. She had only seen them each once face to face. Now, all communication was done via the crystals.
As the door opened to her bedroom, Princess Bluebelle stood for a moment and stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror on the other side of the room. She slowly trotted over to the vanity and looked down at the photograph of her parents. Princess Bluebelle closed her eyes and turned back to the mirror and stared at herself. Throughout all of the years since her parents’ deaths, she remembered all of the ponies that had come into her life. She thought of ponies like Hoity Toity and Elusive. She thought of how they wanted to use her just to improve their own names in the fashion world.
“Du-.” She tried to speak, but something was caught in her throat.
She thought of ponies like Blue Moon, about his rant that morning and how he was bold enough to question the authority of the Princess of the Night herself.
“Dusk, I-.”
And then she thought of Dusk Shine and of everything that had been spoken of him. That’s when the question that was in the back of her mind finally reached the surface. She took a few deep breaths before forming the question.
“Dusk…” Princess Bluebelle asked her reflection that she pretended was the lavender stallion in question. “May I-.”
She stopped herself once more and turned away. She thought of herself and of the way she treated everypony. She thought of the way she viewed the ponies around her, and of how Dusk Shine was taking the exact opposite approach. She turned back to the mirror and looked into her eyes. Unlike the serene looks of the stallions in the window she had seen a little while ago, she looked into her own eyes and saw the anger and the judgment. She finally pushed the words out of her mouth to her reflection. But it was only after she said the words that she realized that she had addressed the question to herself.
Sugarcube Corner bustled with the activity of the lunchtime rush, and at the center of it all was Bubble Berry, who stood at the front counter and served the ponies their favorite lunchtime muffins. He hummed to himself in between orders and listened to the sounds of the ponies around him. To any other pony, the sounds would have eventually died off to white noise, but Bubble Berry always had the ability to listen to their simultaneous conversations with ease, which allowed him to always know when to pop up out of nowhere and surprise them with some quip or joke.
“Here you go Noteworthy,” Bubble Berry said with a smile, “One double chocolate chip muffin and one cup of chocolate milk.” Noteworthy raised a hoof to interrupt him, but stopped when the plate was placed in front of him on the counter. “That will be five bits, please.”
“Bubble Berry, I haven’t ordered, yet.”
“Oh,” he replied, “Well, what were you going to order?”
Noteworthy’s cheeks blushed as he looked around at the nearby ponies, who were waiting for his response.
“A double chocolate chip muffin with chocolate milk.”
Bubble Berry continued to smile as the blue stallion placed his bits on the counter and took up the plate who, for his part, ignored the snickering ponies as he walked to the corner of the café. On the other side of Sugarcube Corner, Bubble Berry could hear the conversation of two mares.
“I wonder when our salads will be up.” One of them said. Before she could say another word, Bubble Berry heard the sound of Mr. Cake in the kitchen as he laid two bowls on plates. Bubble Berry immediately ran to the kitchen, snatched up the plates, and then ran to the booth just as the mare was about to continue her thought. “How long can it-.”
“Hey Cherry Berry, Berry Punch,” Bubble Berry said, “sorry it took so long, it’s just that our salads are always hoofmade to order, so it takes a few minutes. Hey, look at this – three Berry’s all in a group. That’s a Triple Berry! Maybe that should be my new favorite word. It’s almost like pickle barrel, but with our names!”
“That is really adorable, Berry.” Berry Punch replied as she turned to her friend. Cherry Berry coughed and nudged the other’s hoof and tilted her head towards Bubble Berry, who stood silently while they silently argued with each other. Finally, Berry Punch turned her head and looked up to him. “Hey, Berry, I was thinking if you weren’t busy later on tonight-.”
A pop sounded in the middle of the three ponies, followed by a purple orb. A moment later, a scroll appeared and fell to the table. The room went silent as Bubble Berry reached forward to grab the scroll. As he unwrapped the scroll and began to read it, Mrs. Cake emerged from upstairs.
“What happened?” Mrs. Cake asked. “I heard a pop and then everything went silent.”
“Bubble Berry got a letter from the princess.”
“What?” Bubble Berry asked. “Oh no, it’s just from Dusky.”
“Dusky?” Berry Punch asked.
“He means Prince Dusk Shine.” Mr. Cake replied as he emerged from the kitchen. “Bubble Berry, I know you used to call him that before, but don’t you think you should call him by his title?”
“That’s just silly,” Bubble Berry replied, “His nickname is Dusky, not Prince Dusky.” Mr. Cake opened his mouth, but then just shook his head and kept his remaining thoughts to himself. The entire café leaned inward as Bubble Berry’s eyes moved over the scroll. “What? But that’s tomorrow night! Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I have to go see Elusive!”
The café burst into a flurry of activity, with some of the ponies already running for the door. Gasps were heard, as well as a few screams. The only thing that they knew was that any letter from royalty to one of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony could only mean bad news. Bubble Berry simply fell down to his haunches and sat in the middle of the floor.
“What is it?” Mrs. Cake asked. “Did Discord become unreformed?”
“Worse...” Bubble Berry replied as he placed a hoof over his eyes.
“Did more of those horribly horrible vines show up?” Mr. Cake asked.
“Worse…” He repeated as he put his hooves on his cheeks.
“Is it… Is it Nightmare Moon?” Cherry Berry asked.
“No!” Bubble Berry yelled. “Of all the worst things that could happen… this is the worst possible-.”
“What is it?” Noteworthy shouted as Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked to one another. “What could possibly be worse than those things?”
Mrs. Cake began to head back up the stairs to gather their foals. Bubble Berry took a deep breath. “I just got invited to a super special birthday party for Princess Bluebelle that Dusky was in charge of planning, and he didn’t even ask for my help!”
The five ponies who remained at Sugar Cube corner looked at one another. Noteworthy and Mr. Cake facehooved, while Cherry Berry and Berry Punch just blinked in confusion. Finally, Mrs. Cake spoke up as she held Pound and Pumpkin Cake in her forelegs. Her eyes had widened when she heard Bubble Berry reveal the contents of the letter.
“What?” She asked as she tried to slow down her rapidly beating heart. “You cleared out Sugarcube Corner during our lunch rush and may have started another town panic because of a birthday invitation?”
“Yes!” Bubble Berry answered. “Who throws a party and doesn’t ask me? I am Bubble Berry, Party Planner Extraordinaire! I mean, I know the party is in Canterlot, but he still could have asked for my help. Planning parties isn’t something that just anypony can do. There aren’t any professional party planners in Canterlot at all.”
“I’ll go outside and try to calm everypony down,” Noteworthy said as he slid out of his seat and made his way to the door. Outside, they could already hear the sounds of hooves as they trampled across town, as well as the screams of numerous ponies. As he placed his hoof on the door, Noteworthy shook his head and muttered under his breath, “just like last time.”
“Mrs. Cake,” Bubble Berry asked as he turned his attention back to the mare, “I have to go see Lucy about this. I’m sure the others got invitations and we’ll need all the help we can get to help out with the last minute preparations for the party!”
“Bubble Berry,” Mr. Cake said, “It doesn’t really sound like they need-.”
“Yes!” Mrs. Cake answered a little too loudly. “Go see Elusive and get to Canterlot as soon as possible. After all, who knows what could happen if you weren’t there to help out.”
“Now Sweetie Buns, there’s no need to make it.” Mrs. Cake turned to her husband and winked. “I mean, yes, we both agree that you need to go to Canterlot.”
Bubble Berry smiled again and bolted towards the door.
“Come on,” Mrs. Cake said, “Let’s clean this place up and help Noteworthy out with calming everypony down.”
The Cakes retreated into the kitchen, leaving Cherry Berry to look after her friend, who simply stared at the door that Bubble Berry had exited out of a few moments earlier.
*****
The shades were drawn at Carousel Boutique. The light of late morning bled into the main showroom and streamed across the floor, where they bathed the tuxedo-covered ponnequins in light. The fabric was Elusive’s creation; it combined the dapper qualities of pure black with a special magic that he had discovered. When combined, it allowed for the tuxedos to glow in even the faintest of light.
There was a small clatter in the kitchen, and Elusive emerged while levitating a small cup of tea in his kinetic grasp. As he made his way across the showroom, he stopped to look at himself in the mirror, twisting his hind legs this way and that. As he did so, a small smirk appeared on his face.
“Thank Celestia that the upcoming soiree does not require trousers.”
Elusive snickered to himself, lowered the cup of tea to his nostrils, and inhaled. A sweet aroma entered his snout. Deerjeeling White Tea, Elusive thought to himself. He knew that there were only two places to get it – either travel all the way to the Neighponese region of Equus and ask Empress Kirin Kathiawari herself for the leaves, or to go to a small tea shop that was hidden just off of Trottingham Avenue in Canterlot. Fortunately, Elusive had finally managed to make the connections to get into the tea shop.
At the other end of the showroom sat Elusive’s most prized piece of furniture – a replica of King Gustav the Fourteenth’s chaise lounge. He had, of course, made improvements to the design. Small, golden bulges lined the edges of the framework, and the upholstery had been replaced with red velvet. It was on this chaise lounge that Elusive sat as he looked upon his latest designs.
“One day, Elusive, you shall find yourself living within the Canterlot city limits.”
Elusive smiled as he lifted the tea cup to his lips.
“Lucy!”
Elusive shrieked and tried to keep hold of his tea with his magic. Once he steadied it and set it aside on a table, he turned to the voice of the only pony that he knew would call him by such a nickname.
“Bubble Berry!” Elusive shouted. “What are you doing here? How did you even get in? The door didn’t even open!”
“No time for that, Lucy.” Bubble Berry replied. “I suppose you got the invitation, too?”
“Darling,” Elusive asked as he tried to regain his composure, “whatever are you talking about?”
As if he had spoken some secret passcode, a small popping sound filled the room, followed by the familiar purple orb and subsequent scroll. Elusive turned his gaze to Bubble Berry, who simply nodded his head towards it. He took the letter into his own magic and levitated it over to his side. He knew that for Dusk Shine to send him a letter that it must have been one of utmost importance. However, as he read the words, Elusive couldn’t help but feel a small twitch form against his eye muscles.
“A… birthday ball?” He stammered. “Dusk Shine is inviting us to… a birthday ball?”
“I know, right!” Bubble Berry shouted. “And they didn’t even ask me too-.”
Elusive stopped listening to his friend after that moment and left the comfort of his chaise. As he reread the letter – an invitation to some jazz-themed birthday ball for Princess Bluebelle – his mind went back to that night.
*****
Elusive stood at the entrance of the Canterlot Royal Gardens alongside Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, and many others that made up the upper echelon of the Canterlot fashionista circle. Behind them, they could see the royal Canterlot elite that consisted of the Dukes and Duchesses of Equestria.
“Oh my, would you look at that?” Hoity Toity asked. “Fancy Pants still came with her.”
“With Fleur De Lis?” Elusive asked as he turned towards the couple. “What’s odd about that?”
“Oh, right, you living in Ponyville and all.” Hoity Toity replied, eliciting a series of snickers from the others. “Rumor has it that they are preparing for a separation.”
“Oh really, that’s a shame.”
“What iz a shame,” Photo Finish added, “Iz what she iz wearing.”
“But I thought that dress was one of yours, Hoity Toity.”
“It was. A year ago.”
The group snickered amongst themselves once more. Elusive took in the scene before him, absorbing every interaction that occurred between the ponies. He knew that he had to prove himself to these ponies if he was ever to make it anywhere in Canterlot. He turned back to the line of ponies as they entered the castle and focused in on a stallion with a grey coat and silver mane.
“Oh would you look at Duke Caesar?” Elusive said. “Who in their right mind told him that a yellow of that shade would go well with his coat? It looks like an egg omelet landed on his neck.”
Elusive chuckled to himself and turned to the crowd, who only looked at him with wide eyes.
“Elusive, you are quite fortunate that Prim Hemline is not here to eviscerate you for that remark.”
He tried his hardest to maintain his composure. Must not back down now, Elusive, he thought, you must let these ponies know that you are a stallion of taste and have opinions of your own.
“I stand by my critique.”
“So…” Photo Finish asked. “Are zere any ponies here wearing any of your designs?”
“Of course there are. You probably haven’t heard of them. They are only the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, the stallions who defeated Nightmare Moon.”
“So, you and your friends, then?” Hoity Toity asked, followed by another round of snickers.
“Oh just you wait, Hoity Toity.” Elusive replied as he puffed out his chest. “After tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised if I could get Princess Bluebelle herself to model dresses for me. Anypony who can get the princess in their repertoire would be a most sought after prize in the fashion community.” He turned to Photo Finish. “Wouldn’t that be something, Photo Finish? To be able to take photos of one of the princesses?”
Elusive watched as Photo Finish looked up to the night sky. He had caught her attention, for sure. The connection had been made. Now all he had to do was woo the princess, and he would be set.
“You may speak with confidence, Elusive, but let us wait and see if you succeed in your endeavor.”
“Oh, darling, you can count on it.”
*****
Elusive brought his attention back to Carousel Boutique, where Bubble Berry was still rambling on about the party, and turned towards the tuxedos. What Elusive hadn’t counted on that night was just how cold Princess Bluebelle would be. He did everything he could – he held the door open for her, he picked a flower for her, he catered to her every whim – but nothing even broke through her frigid façade. But he managed to keep up appearances until that one moment.
It was in what Elusive would describe as twists of fate so numerous it would make Discord jealous; not only had Bubble Berry managed to embarrass himself by drinking too much sarsaparilla, but Applejack wheeled in some multicolored monstrosity of a cake, which Rainbow Blitz managed to send flying through the air towards Princess Bluebelle, whose response was to push him in front of her. That was the last straw. Even the looks from Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, and the other Canterlot fashionistas couldn’t stop him from delivering one of his famous Elusive-scale tirades. The icing on the cake, Elusive thought and then shuddered that the horribly timed pun he had just made to himself, was Butterscotch chasing the animals into the ballroom in his ruined tuxedo.
“Hello? Equus to Lucy?”
Elusive shook his head and looked at Bubble Berry, whose eyes had widened to the point where they nearly took up all of his face.
“I’m sorry darling. What was the question?”
“It wasn’t a question, Lucy. Something has to be done.”
“What was that?” Elusive asked.
“I said, something has to be done about this.” Bubble Berry repeated as he waved the invitation in front of Elusive. Elusive blinked for a few moments, but then a smile began to form on his muzzle. The smiled widened until it stretched from ear to ear. “So, do you have an idea?”
“I think I may, Bubble Berry.” Elusive made his way to the front of the boutique and switched the sign to closed, went to the blinds and drew them shut so that darkness filled the showroom. The tuxedos ceased their shimmering. “Meet me in the inspiration room.”
Elusive continued on in the darkness and trotted up the stairs, and once reaching the top, he turned back and looked down at Bubble Berry, who still stood in the middle of the showroom.
“So what plan do you have, Lucy. Do you have a really fun idea for a prank?”
Elusive lifted both of his hooves to the banister at the top of the stairs, folded them over, and craned his neck down towards Bubble Berry.
“Precisely.”
Elusive’s horn glowed and it lit the small lights that lined the stairway to his upstairs inspiration room. Bubble Berry made his way up the stairs, but before he made his way to the room, Elusive turned to the vanity.
The Grand Galloping Gala was my chance To make sure Canterlot knew my name I saw the Princess, and at first glance Knew she was my ticket to fame I courted her all of that evening To convince her to acquiesce The night ended with so much screaming My plans were ruined by that Princess
Elusive levitated the invitation in front of him.
Here’s my chance, with this small invitation Here’s my chance for a fabulous scheme This is my way to tell What I think of Bluebelle
Bubble Berry finally reached the entrance to the room and looked on towards Elusive.
“I thought we could use cheese.”
"Just… listen to me, please.” Elusive cleared his desk in one swift motion and put a clean sheet of paper on it. He drew as he continued to sing.
Think of all your pranking And how they’ll be thanking You for it. Is that not your dream? To make this a most memorable dance? Here’s your chance!
“Oh, I knew you’d help me, Lucy!” Bubble Berry hugged Elusive. “So, what are we going to do?”
Elusive smiled and turned to his companion to show him the rough sketches.
"Oh, I like pranks involving cake!"
“The cake shall be quite large, so imagine how funny it will be to prank her with it.”
Elusive watched as Bubble Berry’s smiled grew wider until he couldn’t contain it anymore.
“Oh my gosh, this is an awesome idea!”
“Stick with me, Bubble Berry, and you’ll be known as the greatest prankster in Equestria.”
Bubble Berry began hopping around in circles around Elusive.
A chance for my prankiest prank yet And a chance to do it to Bluebelle!
Elusive stopped Bubble Berry before he bounced again and turned him until they were muzzle to muzzle.
Just think, nopony, shall forget it And think of the ponies they’ll tell The smiles that you’ll bring to their faces Though I know they won’t be wide as mine And soon, what that pony will know is
Elusive turned to the mirror once more.
You don’t step in between me and fame!
They left the inspiration room and made their way down the stairs. Elusive called back to Bubble Berry.
Here’s your chance for the most daring pranking Here’s my chance to teach a lesson to her
The two made their way back down to the showroom towards the front door.
And here’s what we shall do Here’s what I need from you The things I must gather At Sugarcube Corner Come on, shall we go Yes, I know, we shall throw A wrench into this whole affair
Elusive placed his forehead against the door and smiled as he stared down at the floor with a smile on his muzzle.
This shall be a most memorable dance Here’s my chance
Bubble Berry pulled Elusive away from the door.
This will be the most memorable dance
The two wrapped a foreleg around the other’s shoulder and stretched their free foreleg up to the sky.
Here’s my chance!
Elusive swung the door open, and the two began to make their way to Sugarcube Corner. Bubble Berry stopped, causing Elusive to turn around in confusion.
“What is it, darling?”
“I have one question.”
“What is it?” Elusive asked.
“I thought we were throwing a cake into this whole affair, not a wrench.”
Tucked away in a corner of the Royal Canterlot Gardens stood what Princess Celestia called the Rose Gazebo. Four rose bushes climbed small, wooden posts and then joined one another at the top, creating a canopy of white and red. Beneath this canopy was a wrought iron table with a design of a rose blossom in the center and rose petals spiraling outward toward the edges that sat on an upraised wooden platform. On the table were scrolls with numerous scratch marks and redone plans, as well as a tea set. The table was large enough for two ponies who could sit in chairs made of the same design as the table. In these two chairs sat Prince Dusk Shine and Princess Bluebelle, who were in the midst of going over the final preparations for the ball.
“So we can actually reuse five of the eight ice sculptures for the party.” Dusk Shine said.
“How do you figure?” Bluebelle asked. She turned her attention to the teapot and levitated it over the cups, refilling them to the brim. Setting the teapot back down, she turned back to Dusk Shine. “And which animals?”
“These ones,” Dusk Shine replied, “The bull, the deer, the elephant, the lion, and the bear.”
“And why these animals? What do they have to do with the Jazz Era theme?” Bluebelle asked. It wasn’t that she questioned him; she was genuinely curious to know. Dusk Shine cleared his throat, causing Bluebelle to roll her eyes. “Are you about to give me a lecture?” She asked as she quirked an eyebrow. Dusk Shine’s eyes widened and a blush rose to his cheeks, to which she chuckled with a hint of a smile. “What’s the matter? I thought laughter was an element of friendship.” Bluebelle watched as Dusk Shine’s eyes left her and turned his gaze to the scrolls on the table. Neither pony spoke, during which, the smile that had appeared on Bluebelle’s muzzle disappeared.
“I did it wrong, didn’t I?”
Bluebelle nearly leapt out of her seat when Dusk Shine started laughing a moment later. Now, it was her turn to blush.
“Sorry,” Dusk Shine replied between laughs, “I just never knew you had a sense of humor.”
“This is coming from the prince who managed to break a guard’s muzzle with a book when he said the phrase ‘Princess Golden Dream’s Diorama’.” Bluebelle scoffed.
“Sergeant Lighthoof’s hind leg is fully healed from last year,” Dusk Shine replied, trying to hide the implications from last year’s birthday party, “I saw him do a pirouette this morning.”
“One would think that with as much choreography that they do they should know how to dodge things like books and statues.” Bluebelle deadpanned but then gave a worried expression. “You don’t think I’m violent, do you?”
“Do you think I am?” Dusk Shine asked back.
“You just don’t like being interrupted.” They both replied in unison. The blush returned to their faces as they realized what they said. Bluebelle levitated a cup and took a sip.
“So,” she said, changing the topic, “What is it about these animals again?”
“Right, you see, animals have different symbolic meaning in Equestrian history. For instance, the bull and the deer have often represented wealth.”
“That makes sense,” Bluebelle replied as she took another sip, “The Jazz Age was a time of relative opulence, especially among the Canterlot elite, according to the book “Ponies and Perspective” by Maretchell Narym-Mazuri.”
“Exactly.” Dusk Shine continued as he levitated his own cup. “Now, the elephant and the lion in Zebrican mythology represent power, at least, according to the equinopologist, Benezet Burro.”
“You know, I always wondered why somepony from Mexicolt would be so interested in Zebrican folklore.”
“Sometimes, it helps to have varied interests.”
“So let me guess the bear, if I may.” Bluebelle said. Dusk Shine nodded. “The bear is a symbol from Curly-Horse Jung’s collected works dealing with dream interpretation. Based off of his interviews with the native buffalo-”
“The bear represents protection.” Dusk Shine added. “Of course, this was during a time when the buffalo extended beyond Tall Tale and they had more contact with bears.”
“So you’re thinking of using this ice sculpture in the ball as a symbol to protect the wealth and power. I like it.” The two sat back in their seats as the last scroll was set aside. “And with that, I think we have managed to save this party, after all.”
Bluebelle looked at the scrolls on the table, and at some of the notes she had been making in regards to friendship that Dusk Shine had touched upon. She had written the names of the six elements of friendship, but beyond that, most of that particular scroll was blank. Finally, she looked back up to Dusk Shine, who stared off into the distance towards Canterlot proper.
“So, Dusk Shine,” she asked, “When am I supposed to ask you if I can be your friend?”
Dusk Shine returned his gaze to Bluebelle with a puzzled expression.
“I thought we had already established that.”
“What? But I haven’t asked you yet.”
“Bluebelle, it’s not something you ask somepony. Friendship is something that just grows naturally from interaction. To be honest, I’m a little disappointed in myself that I didn’t try to become friends friends with you earlier. I had no idea that anypony read as much as me.”
“Sometimes, it helps to have varied interests.” Bluebelle replied with a smile. “And if I can be honest, as well, I’m glad that I spoke with Aunt Luna today.”
“Oh, you spoke with Luna?” Dusk Shine asked as he levitated the teapot and filled their cups once more. “Anything interesting?”
“Well, we spoke about you and about how you aren’t like other stallions. You aren’t like any of the ponies in Canterlot, actually.”
“You still believe that the ponies of Canterlot can’t be trusted?” Dusk Shine asked. “I’ll have you know that it was none other than Fleur De Lis who helped me with finding the decorations and the band for tomorrow’s party.”
Dusk Shine took the moment to close his eyes as he enjoyed his tea, and so he didn’t notice that Bluebelle suddenly jolted upright in her chair. She furrowed her eyes and looked back at the city of Canterlot.
“I see,” she replied, trying not to let the new information show through her features, “And how is she doing?”
“I learned that she and Fancy Pants are no longer together, which is a shame.”
Yeah, Bluebelle thought, a shame for that social ladder climbing, pony head stepping, two-bit-.
“Are you all right?” Dusk Shine asked.
Bluebelle levitated the scrolls she had written on and got out of her chair. “Yes, I’m fine. I just need to get some work done with the Anemoi.” Bluebelle kept her attention on Dusk Shine as she backed away from the gazebo. “If I can work really hard, maybe I can get Zephyrus to work with the other Anemoi to work tomorrow out themselves.”
“You have to work even on your birthday?” Dusk Shine asked with a bit of concern.
“The winds stop for no- eep!”
Bluebelle screamed when she felt her back hoof reach the edge of the gazebo. Her hind quarters flew backward and her head was thrown back. In the instant she fell, she twisted her head to see a mud puddle on the ground. Suddenly, she felt herself wrapped in a warm aura and was levitated back onto the gazebo platform. Even when she was back on all fours, however, she still stared at the mud puddle. A moment later, she felt a hoof on her back.
“You weren’t kidding.” Dusk Shine said. “You really do hate getting dirty.”
Bluebelle took a few steps forward and then stopped. She looked back down at the dark brown mud that had collected somehow near the gazebo. Bluebelle imagine it to feel thick and sludgy, as though it would stick to whatever touched it.
“Yes,” Bluebelle replied, “yes I do.”
As she took a few more steps, her trot turned into a cantor. Behind her stood a confused stallion, who turned his attention to the mud puddle, then back to the retreating form of the princess.
*****
Princess Luna watched the scene from a distance. Her mane was covered by a camouflage helmet with small branches sticking out of it. On one of the branches was a bird’s nest which held a robin’s egg. Her coat was covered by a camouflage jacket of the same material, which Luna had cast a spell on to appear worn and battered, as though she had worn it on numerous occasions. Two black streaks of paint underlined her eyes, to which she levitated a pair of binoculars. She looked down at the scene with particular interest, given what her niece had said to her that morning. All she had to do was avoid being seen as she observed the two ponies that sat beneath the Rose Gazebo. She gasped as Bluebelle said something as she smirked to Dusk Shine that caused him to blush and turn his head away. She sighed when she saw the smile fade from Bluebelle. Princess Luna tried to suppress a giggle when she saw both of them laughing once more.
“Sister, what are you doing?” The voice of her older sister called. “And what are you wearing?”
Princess Luna turned to her sister and used her magic to pull her down closer. “Shh,” she said, “We don’t want to attract attention.”
“Are you eavesdropping on Bluebelle and Dusk Shine?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Yes, and if you don’t work to keep hidden, you will surely expose our cover.”
“I see. Hence, the camouflaged outfit. Little sister, I-.”
“Oh look,” Princess Luna interrupted as she levitated the binoculars to her sister’s eyes. “They’re laughing. Surely this is a good sign.”
“Luna, please, just take off the camouflage, and-.”
“Neigh, sister. I must use the camouflage. Tis the reason why such clothing exists.”
“Luna, that only works if you’re in a wooded area, not on a castle balcony.”
Princess Luna made note of her surroundings – the grey stones of the castle spires did seem to make her stand out a bit, now that she thought about it. She looked down once more at the two ponies she was spying on before her horn glowed with her aura. A moment later, the camouflage attire disappeared, leaving behind only the princess in her natural state.
“Now,” Princess Celestia continued, “do you want to explain to me what you’re doing spying on our niece?”
“Oh sister, it is wonderful news.” Princess Luna replied. “Just this morning, I was working on a new celestial design, and-.”
“What was that?”
“Nevermind about that.” Princess Luna said as she thought about a certain blue stallion astronomer. “Bluebelle came to visit me and was asking a lot of questions about Dusk Shine.”
Princess Celestia looked down at her niece and ex-protégé and then back at her sister, who was giddy with excitement. “No, Luna.” She said. “This is not your area of… expertise.” Her attention turned to her other niece for a moment before Princess Luna interrupted her thoughts.
“Nonsense, sister. You just didn’t see how Bluebelle was asking the questions. I actually think she may be ready.”
“You do not know whether she is ready, Luna.”
“But Tia.”
“No.” Princess Celestia held up a hoof. “You do not know the ways of Aeolus, nor the customs and duties that are required of the Emissary of Aeolus. Bluebelle has to find her own way. Besides, she is still too young, not to mention how busy she keeps herself.”
“But if you’d simply look.”
Princess Celestia sighed and humored her sister for a moment and took a look through the binoculars she held up. “I know what you think you see, sister, but you must remember that it is Dusk Shine’s job as both the Prince of Magic and one of the Elements of Friendship to seek out those who do not have friends.”
Princess Luna snickered for a moment before pulling the binoculars away from her sister and setting them on a nearby table. “Oh, sister, I may not be able to traverse the political scene that you have become adept at, but I am able to see that there is something there.” She turned back towards the gazebo, where she saw the two poring over some scrolls and bantering back and forth. Though she wished she had cast a spell to amplify her hearing abilities, even she knew that was going a bit too far. She turned back to her sister. “And what kind of stallion do you think will set our niece’s heart aflame?”
“Aeolus will guide him to her.”
“I understand that, but what do you think he will be like?”
“At this point, it doesn’t matter.” Celestia replied.
Bluebelle does not have any time for love She prefers her wind spirits to a stallion’s company She is simply not ready for it now.
Princess Luna held up a hoof.
Dusk Shine’s not the same, Bluebelle just came to me Asking about him, what sayest thou?
Princess Celestia smiled softly towards her sister.
That she is simply getting used to him. Bluebelle is not ready for love She needs to prepare Aeolus will guide her to him Let’s face it, that when push comes to shove-
“That you are frightened of the stallion she may love?” Princess Luna asked. Princess Celestia shook her head.
Bluebelle may be curious now just wait, and you’ll see Dusk Shine is just teaching her how Just how great friendship can really be Sister, please, hear me out Sister, don’t interfere Do not search for a love that’s not there.
Princess Luna levitated the binoculars once more.
See how she blushes when he comes near. He blushes back. There is something there.
“Something there?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Something is there.” Her sister replied.
Though it is quite faint, I could see in her eyes That spark, just like his She’s taken a ‘shine’ to the prince Tia please, can you help me with this? Because I’d be remiss If I were just to sit back and wait I just need to know If Dusk Shine has feelings for her Prove me wrong and I’ll just let it go So just talk to him please If I’m wrong, I shall swear To not search for a love that’s not there.
Princess Celestia looked at her sister, whose eyes had managed to grow even larger than before. “Sister, please don’t do that.” She pleaded, but Princess Luna’s eyes continued to burrow into her own. How do little sisters keep getting away with doing that, she thought as she finally nodded her head.
“Very well, sister.” Princess Celestia relented. “I will find time to speak with Dusk Shine this evening.”
“Thank you-.”
“But I will not simply ask him how he feels. I do not want him to think I am playing matchmaker.”
The two sisters nodded and looked one final time down to the gazebo, where they saw Prince Dusk Shine levitate Princess Bluebelle back onto the platform before placing a hoof on her back. Princess Luna looked up to her sister with a smile, but Princess Celestia simply rolled her eyes.
“That doesn’t mean anything.” She added before reentering the castle, followed by Princess Luna.
*****
Princess Bluebelle stormed into her suite and allowed her magic to slam the door behind her. She made her way from the parlor to The Wind Room and trotted straight to the glass dome. She quickly levitated a crystal from its holding spot and placed it on top of the dome.
“Zephyrus, spirit of the western wind, I call you forth. Come forward, and perform your duties to the earth.”
The red stallion appeared in the dome before her. Zephyrus’ blackened eyes stared straight into hers. “Your Highness, Princess of the Winds,” Zephyrus replied, “How am I needed today?”
The spirit of the western wind paused for a moment as he watched Princess Bluebelle pace back and forth in front of him. “For your knowledge, I have spoken with Lips, Boreas is finally under control, and-.”
“No it’s not that. Something else is wrong!” Princess Bluebelle shouted.
“I will admit, the Doldrums have been a bit lazy as of late, but-.”
“No!” She replied. “It’s Dusk Shine!”
“Oh.” Zephyrus replied, until the realization dawned on him. “Oh! I mean, I’m sure we can get Boreas to apologize to the prince for his behavior.” Zephyrus paused for a moment. “Unless, the prince would like to meet him personally. I didn’t think he would be that eager to meet him again, but who am I to judge what-.”
“No, it’s not…” Princess Bluebelle began, “Wait, what? Nevermind. Somepony is trying to take advantage of him.” She continued to pace back and forth in the room. As she paced, the scrolls she had been carrying were flung across the room. Zephyrus looked at the scene before him, cocking an eyebrow at the sight of the items being out of order. “I don’t know how he’s done it, but not even a day in Canterlot proper and he meets that conniving, self-centered-.”
“Your Highness?”
“What?”
“If I may ask, can you please control yourself? I need you to remain calm if I am to help you.”
Princess Bluebelle fell onto her haunches in front of the dome. She took a few deep breaths. Finally, after she had calmed down, she looked into the dome at Zephyrus.
“Now, tell me what is happening.”
“All my life,” she began, “I have seen nothing but back-stabbing and treachery from the ponies here in Canterlot. I honestly believed that all ponies were like that. Everywhere I looked, I saw only ponies who associated with one another so that they could climb up the social ladder.” Bluebelle took a few more breaths before she continued. “And then he comes along.”
“Prince Dusk Shine?” Zephyrus asked.
“Yes. And at first I thought he was just naïve. But it’s not that. I’ve met naïve ponies, and they always end up either leaving Canterlot or holing themselves up in the academic towers so that they don’t have to deal with the others.” Bluebelle looked over at the scrolls she had tossed around the room and levitated them over to her side. She unwrapped one of the scrolls and pointed to it. “But he’s not naïve. The stories he has told me about his stay in Ponyville – he actually returned the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala because he didn’t want to hurt his friends’ feelings.” She stood up and took a few steps away from the dome. “There is a spark in him. And I don’t want to see him lose that spark. Especially not to her.”
“And who is this her?”
“Fleur De Lis.” Bluebelle replied with a shudder. “I swear to Celestia that mare is part changeling. She only married Fancy Pants so that she could be associated with his philanthropies.” Bluebelle charged back to the dome and looked straight at Zephyrus. “And now she’s trying to get her hooves on Dusk Shine. She’s going to use him.”
“Why don’t you just tell the prince about her?”
“It won’t work. Dusk Shine truly believes that there is good in everypony. Besides, he thinks that I’m paranoid about not trusting any of the Canterlot ponies.”
“Paranoid?” Zephyrus asked.
“Well, he never actually said it out loud, but I know he thinks that.”
“Do you think he does not trust you?”
Bluebelle held a hoof up to her chin. “No, it’s not that. He just sees the good in her.”
“Quite the predicament. Perhaps you can talk to Miss De Lis yourself?”
Bluebelle nodded her head as she took in the information. “You’re right. And I know exactly where she will be this evening. Thank you Zephyrus. Thank you so much.” Bluebelle turned down to the scrolls once more. “Maybe I can find some way to appeal to her. If not, then I’m sure I can use other means to get the point across that she is to not hurt him.”
Bluebelle trotted out of the Wind Room and into her private quarters. Zephyrus remained in the dome and chuckled as he looked around the room at the state Bluebelle had left it in. The scrolls were now piled near the column.
“Her Highness is certainly out of character, right now.” Zephyrus mumbled to himself as a smile crept onto his face. “Father, if this is your work, I certainly hope you know what you’re doing.”
The 69th Regiment Royal Guard Repository in Canterlot wasn’t a difficult building to find – its architecture was in the Beaux-Arts style and was the first building to be designed by non-ponies in Canterlot. The design was classically Prench, with its mansard style roof and incredibly large archway complete with a stone griffon acting as a keystone. However, the designer had taken into account that it was to act as a repository for the Royal Guard munitions, and so projecting cannon bays lined the façade of the building. Since the Great Peace Treaty between Equestria, the Griffon Union, and the Dragon Kingdoms, the repository was now used as a site for Canterlot’s numerous art exhibits, fashion shows, and the occasional charity auction. It was here that Hoity Toity held his annual Maretoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Princess Bluebelle stood near the entrance to the repository and shook her head. The sun was beginning to set in front of her, causing the shadows of the buildings to creep slowly towards her. She looked up at the griffon figure above her and shuddered as she gazed into the stone eyes. She knew it was just a statue, but even now she couldn’t help but feel as though the stone griffon was watching her as she took a few steps beneath the looming archway. To her left was a small marquee that read MARETORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW – CIRCO DE LA FANTASIA. A circus theme, she thought, how strangely coincidental. As she neared the front doors, she was met by a pair of guards. Bluebelle was saddened by the fact that they looked at her with a mixture of confusion and fear. She stopped for a moment and took a few deep breaths before softening her features and allowing a smile form on her muzzle. Much to her dismay, this change in appearance only further confused the guards, who bowed down even lower so that she could not see their expressions.
“Your Highness,” one of the guards said, “how may we be of service?”
“Please rise, Corporal Gold Helm.” Princess Bluebelle turned to the other guard. “You too, Corporal Iron Lance.” The two guards exchanged curious looks before rising to their hooves. “I’m just here to see Miss De Lis.”
“Umm, certainly, Your Highness.” Gold Helm replied as Iron Lance used his magic to open the door for her.
“Thank you so much, you two.” She replied as she trotted into the building. When the doors closed, the guards nodded to one another and Iron Lance levitated a small black box from the top of the door. Gold Helm took it with his hoof and moved the tiny levers that surrounded it.
“Nope,” Gold Helm said, “it’s not broken.” Iron Lance levitated the Changeling Infiltration Detector back to its original spot where Princess Celestia had ordered the device to be placed over all doorways in Canterlot. “That really was her.”
*****
“All right, fillies and gentlecolts,” Hoity Toity called out to the various models from his silk cushion, “I want to see a good first rehearsal. You have been hired because you are the best of the best of the modeling world. You all know your parts. Do not make me regret this.”
The runway lit up and the music started. Dual raised platforms flanked the sides of the runway, upon which stood two zebra stallions in red spandex trunks. A single white stripe in their manes and tails had been dyed red, as well. They began to contort their bodies in ways most ponies couldn’t imagine. One stood on a single foreleg as he bent his hind legs over his head. The other began more simply with a mid-air split as he balanced on both forelegs. Above the stage, two unicorn stallions swung back and forth on a pair of trapeze swings. The white furred stallion wore black spandex and also had cloth strips wrapped around his muscular barrel and biceps, while the black furred stallion wore only a white spandex bikini with white fabric spiraling down his legs. Their muscles clenched as they leapt through the air and caught one another, going back and forth.
Large red curtains opened, and the first model, a pale blue earth pony emerged onstage. On her legs were dark blue silk stockings that rivaled the night sky. Her main article of clothing was a blue and black corset with stitching that almost glowed in the light and spiraled along the fabric like tufts of smoke. She wore a small cape over her back that barely reached her withers and a top hat that completed the ensemble. Upon reaching the front of the catwalk, she reached up, lifted the top hat from her head, and began to slowly rub her hoof around the brim in a very sensual motion. A white dove flew out of the hat as the model smirked at the empty audience chairs, and then turned around to make her way back behind the curtain.
Model number two, a yellow unicorn with a brown mane, began her walk. Her mane had been intentionally styled to resemble a lion’s mane, and her tail had been braided up to the tip, which was disheveled. She wore stockings that were covered in a furry material similar to her own mane and a blood red bikini. The most intriguing aspect of her outfit, however, was the lion tamer’s whip she held in her teeth. As she stopped to strike a pose, she levitated the whip out of her mouth and cracked it in the air. She peered into the distance with half lidded eyes, shook her mane, and then gripped the whip with her teeth once more as she retreated.
As the rehearsal was going on, Princess Bluebelle had taken a seat in the back of the room where the ponies wouldn’t notice her. She looked at the stallions above the stage and then to the zebras off to the sides. Hoity Toity’s Fantasy Circus, indeed, she thought.
The third model was a white pegasus with a white mane. But what had been done to her made Princess Bluebelle cringe. She wore rainbow colored silk stockings and panties. Her mane had streaks of multiple colors in them, and her fur was covered in what she could only think of as colored powder. It was as though she had landed in a rainbow lake at the Cloudsdale Weather Factory. As she neared the edge of the catwalk, her wings began to unfurl, revealing that they had been dyed to match the clown motif. She gave a more playful smirk, contributing to the clown aspect of her modeling persona. Where is Fleur, Princess Bluebelle thought as she watched model three leave the stage.
A red unicorn emerged and smirked in a way that made Bluebelle uncomfortable. The model wore a black teddy and stockings, but both pieces of lingerie had flame designs on them. The flames spiraled up from the hooves and the teddy itself consisted of tattered pieces of red and yellow fabric near the edges. As the model strode down the catwalk, Princess Bluebelle noticed that she was levitating two metal fire sticks. Once she struck a pose, the two sticks moved in front of her and then caught fire. The model opened her muzzle and placed one of the ignited sticks into her mouth. She then turned to the other stick and blew on it, releasing a huge burst of flame into the air.
The music began to change, and Princess Bluebelle knew what that meant. Now was the time for Hoity Toity to reveal his most extravagant piece, worn by the mare that she was waiting for. She tried to contain a grimace as Fleur De Lis appeared on the runway. It wasn’t even so much lingerie as it was an entire outfit. On her hind legs were black stockings with golden designs that made Bluebelle think of embroidered peacock feathers. White cuffs wrapped around her front pasterns and covered her hooves. The black panties and corset, however, seemed merely an afterthought compared to what she wore on her back. A red silk cape stretched all the way down her hind legs, covering her tail. It even went so far that sleeves had been made to go down Fleur De Lis’ fore legs, its gold trim ending just where the white cuffs began. The red cape had similar peacock designs running down the length. Fleur De Lis reached the end of the catwalk, removed the black top hat she was wearing, and then stood up on her hind legs to better reveal the lingerie underneath.
The music reached its crescendo, and the other mares emerged from backstage. Princess Bluebelle looked at the display in front of and above her. Acrobat and contortionist stallions, a magician, a lion tamer, a clown, a fire eater, and of course Fleur De Lis as the ringmaster. She looked down towards the front of the auditorium and heard the sound of Hoity Toity clopping his hooves together. “That was beautiful, mares. Stallions, I want to you work more on your movements. I want it to be fluid, as though you exist in a dream.” She had to try hard to stop herself from laughing at that last line. “I shall see you all tomorrow evening.”
Princess Bluebelle waited for the models to leave the stage before approaching. Fortunately, Fleur De Lis was still on stage. The stallions, however, had also stayed behind. The zebras continued to stretch their bodies, while the stallions hung upside down from the trapeze swings. As she drew closer, she noticed the two stallions looking down at her with surprised expressions. She reached the soft pink mare who was currently turned away from her. Before she could say anything, the two zebras froze in mid split when they saw her. Fleur De Lis turned around and gasped when she saw her.
“Why, Your Highness.” Fleur De Lis said. “What a surprise. I wasn’t sure that I’d be seeing you. I’m just so happy that I received an invitation to your birthday ball.” Princess Bluebelle could tell that she was trying to hide a smirk. “Prince Dusk Shine told me you wanted a jazz theme, correct?” She tried to keep the anger from rising as she watched Fleur De Lis chuckle to herself. “I can’t wait to see everything.”
“Fleur,” Princess Bluebelle said, “Can we talk?”
*****
Princess Celestia stared intently into the distance as the sun touched the horizon. Sunrise and sunset were the only times during the day that she had to focus closely on the sun’s movement. The best way she could describe her and her sister’s work was by making an analogy of a foal playing with a ball. Once the ball is thrown into the air, velocity and gravity take care of the middle part. She and Princess Luna simply had to concentrate during the pitching and catching part, just with much, much larger balls. She was glad that Princess Luna had returned to take care of the duties of the night, mainly due to the fact that she had to not only control the moon, but she also had to control its spin as well as the arrangement of the stars. Almost there, she thought as the sun pressed lower and lower beneath the horizon.
A sudden knock at the door caused Princess Celestia to turn her head. She gasped when she saw the light on the wall disappear and turned back to see that the sun had fallen beneath the horizon. Her eyes darted from side to side and she peered down onto the streets to see if anypony had noticed. Her usually stoic demeanor cracked for a moment, but then took a deep breath before regaining her composure.
“Enter.” She called out. The door opened and she smiled when she saw who it was. “Ah, Dusk Shine,” she said, “how nice of you to come.” She immediately levitated two chairs out from under a nearby table and motioned for him to sit down. As he trotted towards her, she could tell that there was something off about him, but decided to wait for him to speak before mentioning it. “How was your day?”
“I finally managed to get the details of the party together, thanks to some help, of course.” Dusk Shine replied. He shook his head. “I don’t see how Bubble Berry has the energy to plan so many parties. I’m exhausted and I only helped pick up the pieces of this disaster.” Princess Celestia coughed. “No offense, Your Highness.”
“None taken.” She replied. A few moments of silence passed. Princess Celestia’s aura surrounded a teapot and she poured them a cup of tea before she continued. “So, you mentioned that others helped you in your endeavor.”
“Oh yes, I did. I’m glad that Bluebelle was able to help.” He said as a cup floated to his lips. “You know, she’s very different than what I had been led to believe.” Princess Celestia’s ears twitched as she heard those last words. She turned her head to Dusk Shine as she watched a smile take over his face. “She’s actually really smart.”
“I am glad to hear that you have become fond of Bluebelle.” She watched his face as she accentuated the word. As she expected, the teacup froze momentarily in his grip and his eyes widened slightly. “Is something on your mind?” She asked. She waited as Dusk Shine sighed and then lowered the teacup to the table.
“Honestly, it’s more that somepony is on my mind.” Princess Celestia made sure to hide her smirk behind her teacup and took a sip. She saw Dusk Shine turn his head toward the nearby window and stare out for a moment. “This is a strange feeling, Princess Celestia.”
“And what feeling would that be, my former student?”
“Well,” Dusk Shine began, “my mind captured her body movements more specifically than would a normal situation, as though I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Even the way her mane moves has become somewhat ingrained in my memories. When I go back to those images, I feel a bit lightheaded, as though there were an increase in dopamine. This, in turn, results in my heart speeding up by approximately five to ten additional beats per minute. The increased adrenaline also seems to have an effect on my own body’s movements, as well. It’s as though I’m moving faster.” Princess Celestia froze in mid sip after listening to what she thought was the oddest description of developing a crush that she had ever heard. “Do you know what I’m talking about?” Dusk Shine asked.
“Well,” she replied as she gently set the teacup back on the table, “aside from that very… clinical… definition, I would have to say that you are, in fact, falling head over hooves for this pony. Have you spoken to her about it?”
“No, but I did invite her to Bluebelle’s party since she helped me so much in Canterlot.”
“I’m sorry?” Princess Celestia asked as she attempted to hide her confusion. “So then who is the lucky mare?”
“I met up with Fleur De Lis this morning.” Dusk Shine replied as Princess Celestia kept her stoic demeanor, even though her confusion was now replaced by disappointment. Sister, you made me subconsciously get my hopes up. “There is something about her. Besides her physical features that drew out the responses I had mentioned earlier, she has a certain playful quality – a joie de vivre, I suppose – that is appealing. It’s almost as though there is friendship and then there is an addition to it, or an extension, or an upgrade.”
“I see.” Princess Celestia remained still as Dusk Shine stood up and trotted over to the window. “I must admit, your skill at analyzing this emotion rivals Cadance’s.” She stood up a moment later and stood by his side. Together, they watched as the stars appeared in Luna’s night sky. “But analyzing this emotion is much different than feeling it, Dusk.” She could tell that he had turned his head up to hers, but she kept her head forward. “How do you feel?”
The silence reigned once again. She heard Dusk Shine take a breath. “It scares me, Your Highness. It makes me feel happy, but beneath that, I’m scared.”
“What about it scares you?”
“I’m scared to say these feelings to her, because even though I’ve never felt this feeling before, I know that it can hurt me.” She heard Dusk Shine’s hooves as they came to a rest on the marble banisters. “It is as though I’m learning about friendship all over again, Your Highness.”
“Well, you learned that lesson in less than a day, Dusk.” Princess Celestia replied. “I’m sure you will be successful at this endeavor, as well.” She heard Dusk Shine scoff. “And what’s funny about that?” She looked down to see that Dusk Shine had turned his head at just that moment.
It’s simple to make friends But that is where it ends Is this how Golden Dream did feel When she took quill to her dilemma How does one make a true love real? Though friendship’s bliss is fine I want one to call mine Although I have tried to conceal The thought because I know it’s selfish But I want to make true love real
Princess Celestia smiled as she watched Dusk Shine’s eyes lighten.
And Fleur De Lis showed kindness towards me today Brought me laughter throughout this whole ordeal
The two’s eyes met once more.
Your Highness, I must say I’ve never felt this way I’m not sure what it is I feel But I think that this might reveal A way I can make true love real
The two slowly made their way back into the castle, not noticing that the stars ceased their twinkling. A few stories above them, the princess of the night stood alone on her balcony and stared up to her sky. Her eyebrows furrowed and she shook her head. Many thoughts galloped through her mind at that moment, but on top of them all was the thought of a white unicorn. She bit her lower lip and focused her attention to her horn. A dark blue aura emerged, and the stars resumed their twinkling.
*****
“Because he is a nice stallion.” Princess Bluebelle nearly shouted. The only reason she didn’t was because she didn’t want the nearby stallions to overhear their conversation. “He doesn’t want anything to do with ponies like you. So help me, I will make sure that he sees through your little act.”
Fleur De Lis chuckled as her top hat floated just above her. “Oh, Your Highness. Do you think he’ll believe you?” Princess Bluebelle opened her mouth for a moment, but then shut it again. “I didn’t think so.” Fleur De Lis leaped onto the runway again and raised her voice so that the stallions could hear her. “Although it is interesting that after all of these years, this is the first time I’ve seen you come to the defense of any of the Canterlot ponies. Why is that?”
“He is nothing like the Canterlot ponies. We are not like you.” Fleur De Lis laughed, as did a few of the stallions.
Come now, Princess Bluebelle You know this is the way things are You can’t judge me I am not to blame
Princess Bluebelle turned to the stallions in the air and watched as they swung back and forth on the trapeze.
Come now, Princess Bluebelle You have never once cared before About who falls in this Canterlot game
The zebras ahead of her continued to stretch, but their movements now filled her with dread instead of curiosity.
So tell me, now, Bluebelle Why does he mean so much to you What makes you think that you can stop me? I know you, we all do You know that he’ll see straight through you And deep down you know what it is he’ll see
The stallions above lowered themselves to the runway and flanked Fleur De Lis. Princess Bluebelle instinctively took a few steps back.
We’re the same Just the same You know that this is true Prince Dusk Shine Will be mine There’s nothing you can do
Princess Bluebelle felt Fleur De Lis’ eyes burn into hers.
My status shall
“It’s how things are.” The white stallion said.
Rise once again
“Just like a star.” A zebra chimed in.
Prince Dusk Shine is the one To lead me back to fame
“She’ll go so far.” The black stallion smirked.
My status shall
“It’s how things are.” The second zebra said.
Rise to the top
“Just like a star.” The white stallion continued.
Until I reach my rightful Place I’ll never stop
“She’ll go so far.” The stallions cried out in unison. Fleur De Lis continued to look down at Princess Bluebelle, who couldn’t help but feel smaller.
So now, Princess Bluebelle What do you think that you can do Who do you think Prince Dusk Shine will believe? And how, Princess Bluebelle Did Dusk Shine make this change in you? It doesn’t matter you had better leave
“I won’t stand for this!” Princess Bluebelle shouted. “You won’t get away with this!”
“What?” Fleur De Lis asked.
“You heard me!” She continued. “I will make sure that Dusk sees the real you!”
“You won’t,” Fleur De Lis laughed, “You gave away your weakness, Your Highness. You’ll play the game. The prince and I will be the toast of all of Canterlot!”
We’re the same Just the same And Bluebelle, you will see Prince Dusk Shine Shall be mine And you cannot stop me
The stallions turned away and left the runway, one by one.
I will never desist And he cannot resist
The top hat came to a rest once again atop Fleur De Lis’ mane and she threw herself upon her hind legs once more.
Don’t think that you can Try to stop me!
Fleur De Lis fell back onto all fours and stared at Princess Bluebelle. A smirk grew on her muzzle. “I do hope that you don’t cause a scene at the birthday ball tomorrow, Your Highness. What would Prince Dusk Shine think?” Princess Bluebelle gritted her teeth. “Especially with all of the trouble that the two of us went through to make sure everything was perfect.” She raised an eyebrow at Princess Bluebelle and watched as her eyes began to glisten. Princess Bluebelle shook her head and began to gallop out of the room.
“Oh, and if I don’t get a chance to say it tomorrow,” Fleur De Lis called out after her, “Happy Birthday, Your Highness!”
The lights were off in Canterlot Castle. Nopony was in sight. Suddenly, from the top of the staircase, there was a scuffling of hooves. A few moments later, Flash Sentry emerged from behind a stone column, covered in a violet aura.
“Why do I have to be the one to do this?” Flash Sentry asked.
Flash Sentry’s hooves scraped against the marble floor as another figure emerged from behind the column.
“Because we need to make sure that everypony knows that we haven’t forgotten about them.” Prince Dusk Shine replied as he set Flash Sentry in the middle of the grand staircase.
“But why me?” He pleaded.
“Why?” He replied. “Because you’re Flash Sentry, that’s why! You’re the most beloved background character of the show!”
“But I hate being alone when I sing!”
Prince Dusk Shine simply turned and walked away back behind the column. A single light appeared from the ceiling and centered on Flash Sentry. He felt his heart race, but he couldn’t move. He looked down and saw that the aura from Prince Dusk Shine’s magic was still around his hooves. From the side, he heard the sound of flutes and violins begin to play. Flash Sentry took a gulp.
Ave Cadenza Gratia amor Cadenza, gratia amor Cadenza, gratia amor Shining, Shining Armor permanet coram te hic, crystallum et arcu tuo mannis ad corde tuo ut nostri amor coniunctos aversatur, Sombra Ave Cadenza
Flash Sentry had hoped the music would stop. He prayed that it would stop. But it didn’t. The spotlight burned into his fur and he tried to regain control of his breathing. Why me, he thought, I’ve always been nice to everypony. Why do I always end up being the plot end of jokes like this? The bridge ended, and Flash Sentry knew that it was time for him to continue. He closed his eyes and took another breath.
Ave Cadenza Mater amor adiuva nos mannis crystalli tum se mutuo ipsos, Adiuva nos mannis ipsos et se mutuo Nunc et in reliquum tempus Et in reliquum tempus Et in reliquum tempus Et in reliquum tempus Ave Cadenza
Flash Sentry opened his eyes. He hated this feeling. He hated feeling like the center of attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the beginning of the Hall of History from the hall where he and Prince Dusk Shine had been hiding. In the distance was the stained glass window of how the Crystal Empire was saved. At the center of it was the Crystal Heart. Help us ponies love ourselves and one another, he thought as he felt the magic on his hooves loosen. He rushed off of the staircase and back to the hallway, where Prince Dusk Shine was waiting.
“There now, that wasn’t so bad now, was it?”
Flash Sentry looked over to the stained glass window in the distance and smiled.
“It’s about overcoming your darkest fears, I suppose.”
It was not unusual for the Canterlot Train Station to be filled with ponies from all over Equestria. Canterlot served not only as the country’s capital, but also the main hub for all travel through its four corners. During the week, business ponies from Baltimare and Fillydelphia arrived during the early morning commutes; on weekends, the trains brought with them small groups from Vanhoover and even Ponyville to perform at its numerous restaurants and bars. What was unusual, however, was the fact that as the Ponyville Express chuffed into the station, the natives of Canterlot couldn’t help but notice a particular set of five stallions that stared out of the windows near the front of the cab. A pair of unicorns with sweaters draped over their shoulders noticed the group and stopped in their tracks.
“Oh dear,” The stallion said to his wife, “Upper Crust, do you see what I see?”
“I do, my dear Jet Set.” Upper Crust replied as she crinkled her snout. “How could there have been a pending catastrophe without us knowing about it?”
“Never fear. I shall get to the bottom of this.” Jet Set said. He looked around and raised his muzzle to the air as he trotted to the first guard pony that he saw. He began to shout as he pointed his hoof at the train that had finally come to a stop. “You there, guard! I demand to know what the meaning of this is!”
The guard didn’t reply, but instead kept the traditionally stoic demeanor from his training.
“You can’t just ignore me, guard. I pay your salary.” The guard remained motionless throughout Jet Set’s tirade even as Upper Crust began to make a scene behind him.
“Oh, what tragedy has befallen our Highnesses that they have had to call in those stallions?” Upper Crust wailed with as much flourish as she thought possible. “What could have happened that not even the guards can tell us citizens about it?” She finished her statement as she began to swoon. Jet Set rushed over to his wife and held her up with his magic.
“Oh, my dear wife.” Jet Set cried. “Stay with me, I’ll make sure that-”
“Beg pardon.” A rough voice beside him said. Jet Set looked up to see an orange stallion, Applejack, standing next to him. “But ah think we need to get to that there guard.” Jet Set and Upper Crust watched the five stallions as they made their way past the pair (four of the five, at least – they could only make out the top of a pink mane and a wavy pink tail of the stallion that was hiding behind the orange one). “Howdy, Sergeant Boulder Dash. Ah take it y’all are here to take us to the castle?” Sergeant Boulder Dash raised a hoof in salute, but Jet Set watched as he was stopped by a smaller yellow leg which he knew had to belong to Butterscotch.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to.” Butterscotch said. “Unless you want to that is.” By this time, Upper Crust had given up on her ruse for attention and was now standing by her husband as he watched Butterscotch begin to tremble next to his much larger earth pony friend. “Oh no, you did want to salute, didn’t you? I’m sorry that I stopped you.”
“You there, Applejack is it?” Jet Set said as he approached the two just as Applejack was about to calm Butterscotch down. “Could you let us know what is going on? Whatever brings the remaining five Element Bearers to Canterlot?”
“Ahem.” Jet Set and Upper Crust turned to see Elusive, who simply looked at them with a quirked eyebrow. “We are simply here at the invite of Prince Dusk Shine in honor of Princess Bluebelle’s birthday.”
“Ah, I see.” Upper Crust replied with a sigh. “So this is all simply for her party.” The two unicorns began to laugh, but were interrupted by Elusive.
“Oh yes, for her party. In fact, I believe that the Princesses have sent out invitations to the Griffon and Minotaur ambassadors, as well.” Elusive looked toward the guard and nodded his head. As the guard began to lead the group towards the castle, Elusive turned back to the couple. “It is very exclusive, however. But I’m sure that you two have received invitations, given your importance in Canterlot.” Elusive smirked as the couple looked back and forth at one another upon hearing the news of the more prestigious invitees. “Oh you weren’t given invitations? What a pity.” And with that, Elusive flicked his tail and trotted ahead to catch up to his companions.
Um, sugarcube?” Applejack asked as they trotted out of the station. “Was it really necessary to say that?”
“Of course it is, darling.” Elusive answered. “Anytime somepony tries to make it seem as though they are above you, you must be ready to pounce back and keep your standing. You must always make sure that you remain on top, or at least make sure you are heading towards upward mobility.” Rainbow Blitz started laughing, which earned him a glare from Elusive. “And what, may I ask, is so funny?”
“You sound like that one dragon we saw during the dragon migration.” Rainbow Blitz said. “King of the Hoard!” Elusive rolled his eyes as Rainbow Blitz leaned onto his hind legs and began to beat his barrel with his forehooves. “Friends, Ponyvillians, Equestrians, lend me your pearls!”
Elusive watched on in horror as his friends slowly joined in and a few of the local ponies noticed. He finally regained his senses and galloped to ringleader of the group. “Rainbow Blitz, please,” Elusive whispered as he looked around, “I do want to make a good impression on these ponies.”
“Why do you care about them?” He asked.
“Have I not told you countless times that I am intending to extend my brand to Canterlot? I need to make sure that I am always at the top of my game when here.” Elusive let go of Rainbow Blitz’s fore hooves and began to follow the guard once more. The other four followed soon after, but then began to whisper, much to the annoyance of the unicorn.
“I don’t see why we have to act all fancy pants around these ponies.” Bubble Berry whispered. “Besides, most of them don’t even know how to party. But that’s okay, because tonight-”
“Tonight shall be a wonderful party, yes it shall!” Elusive shouted.
“Uh… all right.” Rainbow Blitz said as he raised an eyebrow. “But I agree with Berry. These ponies all act really uptight.”
“Now that just ain’t true.” The others turned to Applejack who began to point his hoof in numerous directions. “Not all of Canterlot is filled with uptight, fancy pants, hoity toity ponies.”
“But what about Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity?” Bubble Berry asked as Applejack leaped onto the stone bench surrounding a fountain.
“Well… Okay, yes, ah suppose there are those two, but really, just look around. Canterlot is filled with many different types of ponies. They aren’t all the same.”
Canterlot we must not Hold it against the whole lot Though some ponies here may act snooty Much many more are not Most are like Pony Joe He’s a good stallion to know And Ah’d wager if we ask him He would introduce us to them Honest folk kindly mares Ah’m sure there are many here They say bad apples are easier to spot Come on let’s buck up ponies Just forget the phonies And let’s not judge the lot of Canterlot
As they continued on their way, Applejack felt Butterscotch leaning against him in the same place he was when they had left the station.
Let me trot next to you I do not know what to do Loud noises and louder ponies It’s just as crazy as a zoo I want to get inside Just to find a place to hide Like a closet or a tower Anywhere I can sit and cower Or perhaps I could see If the pets have forgiven me I’m sure that they’ve forgotten about the net I hope that my nerves will Pass once we reach the castle And if not Well I’ve got Herbal teas to hit the spot Nerves are shot thanks a lot Canterlot
As the ponies passed a series of shops, Elusive couldn’t help but pause and stare into one of the empty storefronts.
Such opportunity For me to take in this city The boutiques how they all call out to me Oh, how I adore this life of bustle Canterlot is where I’m meant to be For years I’ve been showing My horn working, always glowing But then one mistake and then I lost it all She will soon regret starting that tussle Now, tonight at the dance I’ll destroy her, it’s my last chance
Elusive gasped as Bubble Berry leaped down next to him and held his cheeks in his pink hooves.
Canterlot, Berry’s got Plans to make this party hot I’ll go into the kitchen And then begin this tasty plot Take some eggs, and some oil Slowly bring the milk to boil With this prank that I’ll be fixing Through my beating and my mixing And I can’t wait to see Their laughter all thanks to me I just hope there isn’t something I forgot I’ve got a lot to do To make this prank go through I only got To not get caught Canterlot
Rainbow Blitz took to the air as the group neared the castle.
Canterlot I cannot Wait to show all those big shots Everypony cannot help but want to see The moves I’ve got Watch me twist, watch me zoom Watch my patented Rainboom All the ponies will all love me And be amazed at what they see They’ll all shout and they’ll cheer
Rainbow Dash froze in midair as Elusive’s aura wrapped itself around his tail.
This is not about you dear
Rainbow Blitz crossed his hooves as he was lowered to the ground.
Well then this is going to be a dull night At least we get to see Dusk Shine I hope he’s doing fine Although I’d not Want to trot In his spot In Canterlot
As the group reached the drawbridge, they were able to make out the lavender hued form of their friend at the castle doors. Elusive trotted up towards their friend and prepared to bow, but was knocked over by the pink blur that was Bubble Berry. The guards in front of the castle door stood with their mouths gaped open as Prince Dusk Shine was bowled over by the energetic earth pony. Not too far behind him, however, were the other three ponies. Butterscotch hovered a few inches off of the ground as he made his way to the alicorn and then wrapped his wings around him in a warm embrace.
“Well ah’ll be,” Applejack shouted as he reached forward to grab Dusk Shine’s hoof into his own, “It feels like a thousand years since we seen ya. How’ve ya been? How’s castle life treatin’ ya?”
“We’ve missed you so much, Dusk- I mean, My Liege.”
“Now please,” Dusk Shine replied, “Don’t you all start in on the whole ‘My Liege’ thing, too.” Elusive looked towards the guards, who seemed just as mystified by the interaction as he was.
“Why ever not, darling?” Elusive asked as he approached the group and gave a bow of his head towards his friend. “Surely, you’ve learned enough about Canterlot at this point to realize that your title carries some significance.”
“Oh please.” Dusk Shine said. “If there is anything that I’ve learned about Canterlot, it’s that no two ponies are alike. You’ve just got to give them a chance.” Elusive saw two of the guards cast sideways glances to each other. “We’ve got everything prepared for the party, and-”
“And you didn’t even ask me for my expertise!” Bubble Berry yelled as he grabbed Dusk Shine and shook him back and forth. “How could you plan a party without my help?” The guards began to edge closer to the prince, but stopped once Bubble Berry held him closer in a bone crushing hug. “But that’s okay, because I’ll make sure that this party is-”
“Perfect!” Elusive shouted. “That this party is perfect!”
“That’s right!” Bubble Berry continued. “Now where’s your kitchen so that I can-”
“So that we can assist with last minute preparations.” Elusive interrupted as he began to pull Bubble Berry away. “You know how the servants can sometimes be. It always helps to have a stallion with a keep attention to detail, so if you’ll excuse the two of us.” Elusive trailed off as he and Bubble Berry made their way into the castle.
“Okay,” Dusk Shine said as he turned to the remaining friends, “That was… strange.”
“Oh that’s just Berry bein’ Berry.” Applejack reassured him. “Now tell us simple folk how Canterlot is now that y’all have become a prince.”
“I’ve learned a few interesting things, actually.” Dusk Shine replied. “I’ve found out a lot about Bluebelle, for instance.” Applejack breathed in through his teeth. “What?”
“Nothin’, just be glad Elusive wasn’t here to catch that last part.”
“Yeah, about that…” Dusk Shine began as they trotted through the castle entrance and down the hall towards his quarters.
As they started down the hall, Rainbow Blitz turned around and stared back at the part of the castle that Elusive and Bubble Berry had hurried off to. He rubbed his hoof against his chin, but then shook his head and sped up to rejoin the others.
*****
The doors to the kitchen opened, and Bubble Berry immediately poked his head inside at floor level. His eyes darted back and forth along the tiles until he was satisfied that he didn’t see any other pony.
“Level one scan complete.” Bubble Berry said. “Now to go to level two scan.” He lifted his head up a foot and began to scan the room once more, only to be pushed aside by Elusive. “Hey, watch out, Lucy. There could be a pony that I missed on the last scan.”
“Bubble Berry, darling, if you didn’t see any hooves on the ground, why in the name of Prim Hemline’s houndstooth patterned pyjamas would you believe there would still be a pony in here?”
Bubble Berry looked up to Elusive, who was staring at him with half squinted eyes and was tapping his hoof.
“Hey, there have been some ponies born without legs, and that’s not funny.” Elusive tilted his head to the side for a moment, as though he was going to say something, but instead simply shook his head one more time and then made his way to the island in the middle of the kitchen. “So, the coast is clear, Lucy. What’s next?” Bubble Berry waited as Elusive looked through the kitchen. His eyes landed on a metal door near the back and a smile crept onto his muzzle. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Why, I do believe so, Bubble Berry.” Elusive replied. “Now let’s see what we have behind door number one.” Bubble Berry took his place next to Elusive as he opened the door. A cold blast met them as they stared into the darkness. Elusive reached over and flipped a switch. The two stallions gasped at what they saw.
“It’s so… shiny.” Bubble Berry whispered as his eyes grew to twice their size. “See how it shines… in the light. My frie-”
Elusive gasped and placed a hoof over Bubble Berry’s muzzle when he heard the sound of the kitchen door opening once again. He immediately lifted Bubble Berry into the kitchen freezer with his magic and shut the door, ignoring the stallion’s shout as he floated through the air. He turned around just as a mare entered the kitchen. Before she saw him, Elusive gently tossed his mane to each side and prepared to flash his famous smile to her. As expected, the mare gasped and bowed her head when she saw him.
“Oh my. Sir Elusive, is that you?” The mare asked. Elusive trotted up to the mare as she raised her head again. “Forgive me for asking, but what are you doing in here?”
“Oh, darling, don’t worry.” He replied as he tried to think of a lie. “I’m here in Prince Dusk Shine’s stead to check up on some of the final preparations for tonight’s ball.” He leaned forward ever so slightly and looked into the mare’s eyes. “And what, if I may ask, is your name?” Elusive kept his smile as nonthreatening as possible as the mare turned her head to the side, allowing a few strands of her mane to cover an eye.
“Lily Gild.” she answered. “It is an honor, sir.”
“Please, Elusive will suffice. Miss Gild, I must be honest with you. You see, Prince Dusk Shine needs my… skills… at detailed observations.”
“Oh?” Lily Gild asked as she looked around the kitchen. “Is there something the matter?”
“Let’s hope not.” Elusive laughed as he leaned in closer to Lily Gild. He felt her tremor slightly as he inched closer to her. “But I do fear that this work may take a bit longer than I expected. Do you think you could be ever so helpful as to assist with my bags near the entrance of the castle? I wouldn’t want my attention to be distracted.”
Elusive felt Lily Gild back away from him with a small smirk on her muzzle. She turned around and began to reach for the door, but then stopped and returned Elusive’s gaze. “With all due respect, I get the feeling that it’s not the bags that would be distracting you.” She laughed to herself as she opened the door.
“My apologies, Miss Gild, if I was too forward.” He bowed his head slightly, but gasped when he felt the slight whip of Lily Gild’s tail against his muzzle. He looked back up to see her wink at him before she finally left the kitchen and closed the door. Elusive huffed and galloped to the door to the freezer and yanked it open. “Sorry about that, darling.”
“Oh no worries, Lucy. I was just getting ready to clean off the icing.” Bubble Berry opened his mouth and let his tongue hang out. His tongue extended inexplicably long and began to wrap around the cake that was nearly as tall as the two of them. Bubble Berry disappeared into a pink tornado and Elusive saw the icing disappear, leaving behind only the spongy part of the cake. “There we are. A nice, clean slate for my special frosting.” Bubble Berry turned to Elusive, whose eye had started twitching. “What’s the matter?”
“Bubble Berry. Do you remember that time when you held your Spring Has Sprung party?”
“Of course I do. I remember all of my parties. Well, except for that one birthday, but still...”
“And do you remember how I mentioned having an issue with the frosting on the cake at that party?”
“Yep.” Bubble Berry began bouncing back and forth at the sudden influx of sugar. “I took it back into the kitchen and took the old icing off and put on the new layer.” Elusive began to blanch. “Lucy, what’s wrong?” Elusive backed out of the freezer and trotted back into the kitchen.
“I think I am going to be ill.”
*****
“Boreas, spirit of the northern wind, I call you forth. Come forward, and perform your duties to the earth.”
The blue and white stallion appeared in the dome in front of Bluebelle. Before he could speak, however, she placed a newspaper onto the dome. Boreas looked at the page and gasped.
“Oh dear, this is terrible.” He said.
“I know.” Bluebelle replied. “How did they-”
“It’s such a terrible angle for Dusk Shine. It makes his flanks look so-”
“What? It does not.” Boreas raised an eyebrow. “That’s not the point!” Bluebelle shouted as she paced around the dome. “She’s already using him to get attention for herself! It was only yesterday, how did they get this done so quickly?”
“Well, look at the bright side.” Bluebelle stopped pacing and gave Boreas an incredulous look. “Now you have proof to give to the prince.” He held up a hoof to her before she could speak. “Just show him the picture. It pretty much explains itself, does it not?”
Bluebelle smiled as she thought about it. “You’re right, Boreas.” She trotted around the room to search for her saddlebag. “I’ll just show it to him, and then he’ll realize Fleur is just using him.” As she lifted the saddlebags into her back, she paused and then turned back to the dome. “But it’ll crush him.”
“Like an egg in a dragon’s claw.” Boreas replied.
“He won’t be able to trust anypony in Canterlot for a while.”
“It’ll be like the time your cousin was kidnapped by the changeling queen. After it was all over, Prince What’s-His-Muzzle was afraid to be alone in the same room with her for a month.” Bluebelle narrowed her eyes at Boreas. “What? I’m not myself today because somepony decided to take away my snow.”
“Wait a minute.” Bluebelle said. “You’re still in Seaddle?”
“Yes, why?”
“You’re supposed to be in the Frozen North!” Boreas began to speak but was cut off. “Just go. I need to figure out the best way to tell Dusk Shine.”
“Do give him my regards.” Boreas called as Bluebelle galloped out of the room. “Wait!” Boreas tapped his hoof on the ground. “I know there was something I was supposed to tell her. Oh yeah. Father’s going to be at the party!” The door slammed shut. “Did she hear that? I hope she heard that.” Boreas muttered to himself as he twisted his hooves in a circular motion. A small block of ice appeared beneath him, and he rode it away from Seaddle.
As Bluebelle shut the door, she thought she could still hear Boreas calling out to her. Doesn’t matter, she thought, I’ll ask him about it later. She galloped down the hall, ignoring the guards that stood against the wall. In the distance, she could see Dusk Shine as he ascended a set of stairs. Behind him, however, were three of his friends. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that a certain unicorn was not with him.
“Dusk!” She called out. Wait!”
The four stallions stopped and turned around. Bluebelle waited for a moment as Dusk Shine’s eyes settled on her. She swore she saw Butterscotch and Applejack look at each other for a moment before turning back to her.
“Good morning, Bluebelle. You know my friends, right?”
“Of course I do.” Bluebelle replied as she held out her hoof. She tried to think of how Dusk Shine would handle this situation. “I must admit that the last time we met wasn’t under the… greatest of circumstances.”
Applejack was the first to take her hoof. “It’s all right, sugarcube. Shoot, ah could’ve recognized the way you reacted with how messy my food can be. Ah remember once when Elusi-ow!” Applejack rubbed his sides where Rainbow Blitz had just punched him. “Right… Think of it was water under the bridge.”
Rainbow Blitz offered his hoof, followed by a timid shake by Butterscotch. Bluebelle finally turned her attention back to Dusk Shine. “Now, you were going to say something?”
Bluebelle sighed and pulled out the magazine. She opened it to the pages that showed Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis. As the stallions took a close look at it, Rainbow Blitz began to laugh.
“Wow, somepony’s already turning into a stud.”
“What?” Bluebelle shouted. “No, this is proof about what I’ve been trying to tell you!”
“What do you mean?”
“Fleur De Lis is using you, Dusk! She only wants to be with you so that she can get her name back in the papers to keep her status! That’s-”
“Horrible.” Butterscotch said.
“Exactly, that’s why-”
“No.” Butterscotch replied. “I mean, what evidence do you have to accuse her of that?”
“Excuse me?”
“Yes, Bluebelle.” Dusk Shine asked as he stared down at Bluebelle. “This can easily be explained as the tabloids using these compromising positions. Fleur probably had nothing to do with it. I bet she’s just as embarrassed by these pictures.”
“But I-”
“No.” Dusk Shine stopped her. “I was really hoping that I had gotten through to you a bit yesterday, but it seems that I was wrong.”
Bluebelle’s eyes widened as she remembered Fleur De Lis’s words. You know that he’ll see straight through you And deep down you know what it is he’ll see. She watched as Dusk Shine trotted away with his friends in tow. No, she thought.
“Are all of the Canterlot ponies this paranoid?”
“She just thinks she’s better than everypony.”
“I had hoped more for you Bluebelle.”
Bluebelle closed her eyes and tried to shake out the voices.
“Bluebelle.” She felt a hoof on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see Dusk Shine standing in front of her with a look of concern. The others were staring at her, as well. “You were going to say something?”
Bluebelle shook her head to erase the imagined scene from her memory. She looked back to her saddlebags at the magazine and considered whether or not to show him the pictures. Who do you think Prince Dusk Shine will believe?
“Bluebelle, are you all right?” Dusk Shine asked.
Bluebelle sighed and closed the flap on her saddlebags. “Of course, Dusk Shine. I… I just wanted to tell your friends welcome to Canterlot. I do hope that you all have a wonderful time at the party. I’m just going to check on the ball room. You know me, I have to triple check everything.” She faked a laugh.
“I do believe that’s my line.” Dusk Shine replied. Dusk Shine waited as Bluebelle nodded her head to him and his companions. They all turned as she walked away and disappeared down the steps, the echo of her hoofsteps becoming more faint with each step.
So, that’s what happened,” Dusk Shine said as he glanced from stallion to stallion, “At least, that’s what she said happened.”
The four ponies sat on a group of cushions in the Canterlot Archives. Applejack and Rainbow Blitz stared at Dusk Shine with confused looks, but Butterscotch continued to stare into his cup of tea. Dusk Shine looked down at his own cup and noticed a smudge on the saucer.
“Well, Ah do think it’s possible for Elusive to do somethin’ like that.” Applejack replied as he caught Rainbow Blitz’s gaze. Rainbow Blitz, for his part, nodded in agreement with the farm pony. “Did y’all see the way he was actin’ at the train station?”
“Yeah, not to mention how he was with Berry.” Rainbow Blitz added.
“...”
“Did you say something, Butters?”
The others turned to Butterscotch, who simply lowered his muzzle even further into the teacup as he shook his head. Dusk Shine nodded his head in the general direction of the others, but turned his attention back to the saucer.
“Well then, Ah feel just downright awful for how Ah thought of her.”
“Yeah, I mean she’s prissy and all, but-” Dusk Shine gave Rainbow Blitz a stern look. “I mean, you gotta admit she’s a neat freak. She’s kinda like you, in a way.” Dusk Shine levitated the teacup from the saucer and used his magic to clean up the small smudge. After he settled the teacup back onto the saucer, he turned back to his company, only to see that Rainbow Blitz had cast a sideways glance to Applejack and that Applejack had simply raised his eyebrow. “I rest my case.”
“... wouldn’t… that…”
The three stallions finally gave their attention to Butterscotch, who had now set his teacup aside and was looking at them. “What was that, sugarcube?” Butterscotch’s eyes widened. He turned his head to the side so that his pink mane came down just enough to cover one eye. “Y’all say somethin’?”
“Elusive wouldn’t do that. I would know.” Butterscotch took a deep breath before he continued. “Why are you so quick to take Princess Bluebelle’s side on this? Elusive is supposed to be your friend, too.” The others watched as Butterscotch’s voice slowly grew louder. “And besides, Dusk Shine, you yourself said that she was paranoid about the ponies of Canterlot. Isn’t it safe to assume that she let her paranoia get to her that night, too?”
“Butterscotch,” Dusk Shine said, “You weren’t there.” Butterscotch scoffed. “You weren’t there inside, seeing how Elusive was acting.”
“He’s right, now that Ah think of it. Y’all should’ve seen the way he was butterin’ her up like some pecan pie.”
“I don’t care if I wasn’t in the room.” Butterscotch said as he stood up, much to the surprise of his friends. “Elusive wouldn’t have lied to me about something like that.”
“What do you mean?” Dusk Shine asked. Butterscotch simply shook his head and looked out the window into the garden below, where he noticed a squirrel hopping from tree to tree. He remembered the night of the Grand Galloping Gala.
*****
Butterscotch and Elusive stared at the scene before them at Donut Joe’s. Dusk Shine, Applejack, Rainbow Blitz, Bubble Berry, and even Spines were seated around a table with Princess Celestia, laughing about their misadventures. He listened to each of them talk to her, he began to piece together the string of events that led to them being here. They were standing at the counter, ordering another round of hot chocolates.
“I’m so sorry about the tuxedo, Elusive.” Butterscotch said as he looked down at the animal scratches on his suit.
“Don’t worry about it.” Elusive replied as a piece of frosting fell off of his mane and landed on the floor with a soft plop. “It seems that all of our suits are a little bit worse for wear. I’m sorry that you didn’t have luck with the animals.”
For his part, Butterscotch had been trying all night to get the attention of the animals; he had tried to befriend the loons, the toucans, and the bitterns; he had tried to capture the birds, the monkeys, and the bears. All said, it was not one of his proudest moments. It wasn’t until he had gotten caught in his own trap and had a breakdown that one of the squirrels finally came up to him and helped release him. It had seemed for a moment that the animals were finally warming up to him, but then an earthquake rocked the gardens and the animals fled once more. Butterscotch ran after the animals, finally catching up to them in the ballroom, only to see his friends in various states of disarray. Butterscotch listened as each stallion told their story, but it seemed that one particular pony was the fulcrum for the more disastrous parts.
“Did she really trip you?”
“I’m afraid so.” Butterscotch shook his head but felt a hoof wrap around his shoulder. “But at least I’m here with you, dear friend.” Butterscotch blushed.
“You know, if she hadn’t done that, you wouldn’t have gotten covered with cake. You wouldn’t have had your… incident… and she wouldn’t have knocked over the statue. Rainbow Blitz wouldn’t have knocked over the pillars, and the animals wouldn’t have gotten scared again.” Butterscotch turned towards his friends and watched as they laughed while eating a mountain of donuts. All because she tripped him, he thought. “Are you sure that you didn’t give Bluebelle a reason to trip you?”
“Why Butterscotch, I’m surprised. You know that ever since the whole Photo Finish incident I promised not to keep anything from you.” Butterscotch smiled softly and looked back up to Elusive. “If anything, maybe I was being a bit too chivalrous. I should have known that somepony like Her Highness would have a more independent streak, as it were.”
“Okay.” Butterscotch replied and began to make his way back to the table.
*****
Butterscotch continued to look down as the squirrel hopped into another tree and disappeared amongst the foliage. He snapped out of his reverie and turned back to Dusk Shine. “Elusive was just as much a victim of circumstances that night. If she hadn’t tripped him, then the cake wouldn’t have landed on him, and all the rest wouldn’t have happened, either. End of story.”
“I just say we put the two of them in a room and let them settle things.” Rainbow Blitz said, much to the surprise of the other three. “What? That’s how AJ and I settle issues.”
“Oh please,” Applejack huffed, “That ain’t a fair fight. It’d be over in a second, with a pony cryin’ in the corner ‘bout a messed up mane.”
Rainbow Blitz narrowed his eyes. “You’re talking about Elusive, aren’t you?” Rainbow Blitz smirked and Applejack raised an eyebrow. They immediately shared a laugh and hoof-bumped.
“But seriously. What do y’all need us to do about it?”
“I’m just saying be nice to her is all.” Dusk Shine replied. “She’s been a lot better. She’s opening up.” He smiled. “You won’t believe how much she knows about the Jazz Age.” Dusk Shine stopped when he saw that Applejack was looking at him funny. “What?”
“Nothin’.” Applejack replied as he looked away. He stood up, untied the bandana around his neck, and wiped his brow. “Well, ah gotta go to the colt’s room. Where is it?”
“Take a left, go down three doors, take another left, go down the stairs. When you cross the small archway, take a right, then go down two doors and open the gilded door to your right.”
Applejack blinked a few times, sighed, and then made his way out of the room. When the door shut, Dusk Shine turned back to his pegasi friends. Rainbow Blitz was trotting around the room, poking his head down the aisles that he passed. Butterscotch simply sat on the cushion and looked out the window.
“Why are you being so quick to take Princess Bluebelle’s side?”
“Listen, Butterscotch, it’s not that I don’t believe him. It’s just that there are obviously two sides to this story, and I would like to find the balanced one.”
“Uh, I think… I need to go take a nap.” Rainbow Blitz said as he looked back and forth between the two stallions. “Eeyup… really tired and all.” He gave an exaggerated yawn and darted out the window, leaving Dusk Shine and Butterscotch alone.
“A balanced story? Okay then, how about this?” Butterscotch replied, turning to Dusk Shine. “Elusive talked about Princess Bluebelle nonstop before the Gala, about how beautiful she was, and how he wanted to show her that he was just as good as the stallions in Canterlot. Maybe he acted ‘too chivalrously’” Butterscotch raised his hooves in the air to accentuate his punctuation. “Her Highness didn’t like it, so she makes it so that Elusive is humiliated by getting him covered in cake.”
“That… is just one possible situation.” Dusk Shine said. “But remember, Bluebelle has been around ponies that have tried to use her throughout her life. Isn’t it also plausible that she believed Elusive was using her, too?”
“Are you listening to yourself?” Butterscotch asked as he got off of the cushion. “Even if she thought he was being manipulative, she became manipulative right back. If she really thought he was doing it, she should have just trotted away instead of stringing him along.” Dusk Shine started to speak but stopped when Butterscotch put his hoof down. “Do you realize how many hundreds of bits worth of damage we did to Elusive that night? We ruined all of the suits that he made for us, suits he made for free! What did he do that earned his ruined suit? Showing too much kindness?”
Dusk Shine took a step back. He noticed that Butterscotch’s legs trembled slightly. “Butterscotch.” He reached out a hoof to him, but Butterscotch flinched back.
“And do you know how hard it was for him to reintroduce himself to the fashion industry after what happened? Do you realize what was going on with Elusive as he tried to rebrand himself? Paparazzi ponies with the cameras… those stupid flashing cameras…” Butterscotch’s breathing hitched and his pupils shrank to pins. “Cameras…” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “You have no idea what its like.”
“That’s not true.” Dusk Shine said. “Remember the incident with the Foal Free Press?” Dusk Shine smirked at his response, but Butterscotch’s answer was more surprising.
“Are you kidding me?” Butterscotch asked. “Three colts make a little lie about you being a snob and you think that’s the same?” He pointed out the window. “They tried to destroy Elusive’s life, Dusk Shine. All because Her Highness decided that she was too good for Elusive and wanted to teach him a lesson that need I remind you was all in her head. Her actions had consequences, too. What she did was so much worse than anything Elusive could have done.”
“Butterscotch, I-”
“Do you like her?” Dusk Shine was taken aback. Butterscotch blinked a few times. “You do, don’t you?” Butterscotch took a few steps toward the window, but Dusk Shine stopped him.
“Listen, Butterscotch. I like Bluebelle as a friend.”
“Oh really? Close your eyes and think about Elusive, your friend.” Dusk Shine did so. He thought about his encounters with Elusive: the suit fitting upon first meeting him, the times he would take him to the spa as a friendly gift, how he would pay for lunches without flinching. He thought of how he stood up to the ponies in Canterlot when they embarrassed him at the Canterlot Garden Party.
“He’s a good friend, isn’t he?” Dusk Shine nodded. “Now think about Princess Bluebelle.” Dusk Shine imagined her interacting with the Anemoi and about how she rolled her eyes and laughed when they acted like two colts. He thought about the look of determination on her face when she looked in concentration at the ballroom, how she stopped herself and gave the chef encouragement. He imagined the confidence she had when she talked about the Jazz Age. And then he saw her eyes, bright and blue, staring up at him with that same determination and confidence. Dusk Shine laughed lightly and then opened his eyes to see Butterscotch staring at him. Butterscotch nodded his head and turned towards the window. “That’s what I thought.”
“Butterscotch, wait.”
“I’d like to go see the gardens, if that’s all right, of course.” Dusk Shine nodded. Butterscotch laughed to himself. “It’s funny, isn’t it?”
“What’s funny?”
Butterscotch leaped out of the window and fluttered outside for a moment. “How falling in love is like staring at the sun. It makes you go blind.” Butterscotch darted down towards the gardens, leaving Dusk Shine alone at the window.
*****
Applejack galloped through the halls as his glance darted from door to door. He stopped for a moment and jumped from hoof to hoof. “‘Course there ain’t no guards here to help me. ‘Find the gilded door’ he said. They’re all gilded!” Applejack shouted to himself. He turned to another door and was about to buck it open, but he stopped himself mid-buck when he realized that he did not want his family to be in debt for generations just to pay for a door. He turned around and opened the door slowly with his hoof. When he entered, his jaw dropped. “Shoot, the bathroom furniture here is fancier than Aunt and Uncle Orange’s livin’ room furniture. Are mah bits payin’ for the upkeep of this place?" AJ, why are you talkin’ to yourself? He thought. Who are you, Berry? Applejack trotted slowly into the next room and paused. He looked up at the map on the wall with silver pins in random locations and tilted his head. “Ah just don’t get modern art. What is the point of this room even?” He looked across the room and yelped in surprise when he ran into Bluebelle turning through the doorway. “Oh this is embarrassin’. Look, Highness, Ah didn’t mean to come in here, I just really-”
Bluebelle held up a hoof. “It’s… all right, um, Sir Applejack.” He could see Bluebelle giving him an appraising eye. She opened her mouth to say something, but then stopped herself and began counting under her breath.
“Is… everythin’ all right, Highness?”
“You can call me Bluebelle, Sir Applejack.”
“Ah promise so long as y’all promise to stop callin’ me Sir.”
Bluebelle chuckled to herself. “Deal.”
“So, this is weird.” Applejack said. “Us, just standin’ here outside the, uh, mare’s room.” Applejack smiled awkwardly at Bluebelle, who squinted her eyes and tilted her head. “Ah think Ah’ll just-”
“You’re in my suite, Applejack.” Applejack’s eyes widened and he backed away. “No. It’s fine, I promise.”
“Ah know y’all are lyin’.” Bluebelle held up a hoof, but looked at Applejack as he gave her an incredulous look. “Ah’m right.”
“Yes, Applejack. If you must know, you have been a bit insufferable since coming in here. You thought my room was a restroom lounge. But I am not going to let my frustrations get to me.”
“Ah get the feelin’ Dusk Shine’s part of that.” Before Bluebelle could stop him, he continued. “Y’all don’t need to say anythin’, I know what’s goin’ on.”
“Excuse me?” Bluebelle said. “What is that supposed to mean?” She turned to the main room and trotted to her sofa. “I think I would prefer it if you just left. The colt’s room, as you so… charmingly put it…” Applejack saw Bluebelle’s eye twitch. “Is five doors down the right, up the stairs, take two lefts and a right, and then just go through the gilded door.”
“All the doors are gilded!” Applejack shouted. “Everythin’ here’s decorated in fancy!”
“Well, I’m sorry if you can’t tell the difference between a gilded golden door and gold painted door, you simple-”
Bluebelle covered her muzzle with her hoof, but realized too late what she said. Applejack smiled and bobbed his head. “Thought so.” He said as he took a step towards Bluebelle. “You ain’t different at all. Y’all are just pretendin’ to be nice. What do you want with mah friend?”
Bluebelle stomped towards Applejack until she was inches from his muzzle. “Nothing. Don’t you ever think that I am trying to use him, do you hear me?”
“Then why are y’all just pretendin’ to be nice when you ain’t?” Bluebelle closed her muzzle and looked away. “Well?” Bluebelle turned away, trotted to the sofa, and sat down. “Am Ah trottin’ over a line?”
“What’s that on your neck?” Bluebelle asked.
“Mah bandana?” He asked. Bluebelle shook her head and Applejack looked down to see a small pendant around his neck that he kept behind his bandana. He took a few breaths and tried to tuck it back behind it, but he saw a yellow aura wrap around it and float towards Bluebelle. “Give that back!”
“Are these your parents, Applejack?” She asked when she had opened the pendant. Applejack tried to snatch the pendant from Bluebelle’s hoof, but she pulled it back. “I will take that as a yes.”
“Y’all haven’t answered any of mah questions.” Bluebelle sighed, stood up, and then trotted into the next room. He heard something scrape across wood, and then she returned a moment later, carrying a picture frame. “What’s that?” He asked as she sat back down. She sat the picture frame down and took a breath when he saw what it was a picture of. No words needed to be said. “Ah see.” They stayed silent for a moment until Bluebelle leaned forward.
“Do you remember?” Bluebelle asked as she dropped the locket into Applejack’s hoof.
“You mean the day they...” Applejack began but struggled to finish the sentence. Finally, he swallowed the growing lump in his throat. “Yes, Ah remember. Do you?”
Bluebelle looked down at the picture frame and nodded her head. “I can’t forget.”
I still recall just how small my own hooves felt in theirs And how I rushed just to keep up with their stride Years pass me by and though I try to move through these fears There are times I cannot help but hide
The day we travelled south down through The Badlands My parents wanted me to meet the Winds I still remember trotting through the hot sands And that was how it ends
If only they could have had more time Why did they have to leave me early Life goes unfairly If only they could have had more time
What will they think of what I’ve become This mare that I see in the mirror How would they see her If only they could have had more time
Bluebelle turned to Applejack and saw that he was staring down at the open locket in his hoof. She stood up and took a step towards him, but stopped when he backed away.
Learnin’ to buck apple trees in the warm summer breeze Steppin’ behind, watchin’ fruit fall to the ground Ah took the haul to the barn just to take it easy Then there was a sudden awful sound
Next thing Ah knew they slammed the door behind me And Ah could hear them gallopin’ away When Ah got out it was much too dark to see Ah chased them anyway
If only they could have had more time Why did they have to leave me early Life goes unfairly If only they could have had more time
What will they think of what Ah’ve become This stallion here in my reflection How would they see him If only they could have had more time
Bluebelle sighed as she set the picture frame onto the table once more.
Scenes keep playing in these memories of mine How my life could be different if only They could have had more time
Applejack shook his head and stepped next to her while clutching his pendant.
Ah still recall just how small my own hooves felt in theirs And how Ah rushed just to keep up with their stride
The two stood next to each other and stared at their parents. Finally, Applejack felt his shoulder trembling and turned over to see Bluebelle leaning up against him. He raised a hoof and lifted Bluebelle muzzle to his. He tried to be formal, but couldn’t help himself. “What happened, sugarcube?”
"The same thing that happened to you." Applejack lowered his hoof, waiting for her to explain. "We were attacked by a Tatzlwurm, and my parents hid me." Bluebelle took a few steps away and looked at her reflection in a mirror on the wall. “You look at yourself in the mirror and wonder what they would think of you?” Applejack nodded. “I do, too.” Bluebelle sniffled, picked up the picture frame and headed back to her room. Before she reached the doorway, however, she turned around and looked at Applejack. “To answer your question, it was because of him that I realized that I want to see somepony better when I look in my reflection, that’s all. You won’t say anything to Dusk Shine about this.”
“Why don’t you think that?”
Bluebelle smiled. “Because I can tell that is not the stallion you see when you look in your reflection.” Bluebelle disappeared behind the doorway. Applejack went to follow her, but she called out from the other room. “Didn’t you need to use the little colt’s room?” Applejack grimaced and darted his eyes back and forth, turned around and galloped out of the room and down the hall from where he came. When she was sure he was gone, she looked down at her hooves. She began to tremble again. She turned around and used her magic to open the gilded door next to the entryway to the Wind Room. A moment later, the sound of running water echoed through the suite.
Dusk Shine stood in front of a mirror in his suite, using his magic to adjust the sash that hung haphazardly against his barrel. The outfit itself was blue with small silver starbursts at the pockets and violet lapels at the collar. Stupid prince’s sash, he thought as the object of his current anger refused to stay in place. Dusk Shine gave up and turned away from the mirror with a growl.
“Urgh.” he said as he faced his friends - two of them, at least. Butterscotch was busy getting into a green vest and Applejack was cleaning his wardrobe by spitting on a pair of boots and rubbing them with his foreleg. “Elusive would have a conniption if he saw us right now.”
“Well,” Butterscotch replied, “We did find out about this just yesterday.”
Dusk Shine considered the pegasus for a moment, then turned back to the mirror. He thought about what Butterscotch had told him a few hours ago. The statement had remained in the forefront of his thoughts all afternoon, which was much longer than he felt comfortable. The idea of developing romantic feelings towards a mare like Bluebelle in this short amount of time is statistically insignificant. Even if there had been some sort of catalyst that would have boosted the endorphins in our bodies to trick us into developing feelings towards each other, I would have noticed that. There wasn’t anything significant that would qualify as such. Fixing Bluebelle’s party was just an assignment given to me by Celestia. Talking about books and jazz is just interesting. Making her see the magic of friendship is just what I do. Fleur, on the other hoof, I knew only a few minutes before I developed any feelings. Then again, I was very stressed out yesterday about how to fix the party. What I could be feeling right now could be just a chemical response to a fear stimulus. It would only be logical that Fleur, being the mare who helped me out of said situation, would be the recipient of those chemical responses. Given the limited exposure to her, however, such feelings would most likely be only physical in nature. Oh, that sounds like a fun experiment, I could put ponies into stressful-
“Uh, sugarcube?” Dusk Shine shook his head and saw Applejack inches away from him. “There y’all are. Ah was gettin’ worried.”
“What?”
“Um… you were mumbling to yourself.” Butterscotch said. “Again.”
“Oh.” Dusk Shine replied. “I guess I was.”
“Shouldn’t ya get that, well, checked out?” Dusk Shine trotted to the door and pushed it open. He looked to his left and right down both sides of the hall. “Rainbow’s nappin’.”
Dusk Shine turned his head back to the room. “How did you know I was looking for him?”
“Cause when ya talk to yourself and look around, y’all are tryin’ to gather us up to make an announcement or somethin’.” Dusk Shine turned to Butterscotch, who nodded his head in agreement. “Ain’t nothin’ bad about it. We just know ya, that’s all.”
Dusk Shine shut the door. “Okay, well, I guess I can tell the others later.” Dusk Shine took a deep breath. “I want you to know that I… well… I’m not going to be at the party alone.” Applejack raised an eyebrow.
“Oh… that’s um… great, Dusk.” Butterscotch said.
“That’s why y’all are tryin’ to gussy yourself up so much.” Applejack said as he mussed Dusk Shine’s mane. “Ah’ll admit, Ah was gettin’ worried for a while about ya.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, no offense, sugarcube, but y’all never took notice of anypony in Ponyville the entire time y’all were there.”
“Well, that’s because-”
“Not even mah sister.”
“I was just busy.” Dusk Shine said. “Do you realize how many times we had to save Ponyville from destruction?”
“In all honesty, we were the cause of that destruction a good deal of the time.”
“That-” Dusk Shine fumed, “That’s not the point. The point is that I was really busy while I was there. At least here, we have the Royal Guard ready at a moment’s notice.” The three stallions yelped at the sound of sudden laughter and turned to the door to see that Rainbow Blitz had entered the room. “And what, may I ask, is so funny?”
“You thinking the Royal Guard are good at their job!” Rainbow Blitz answered as he tried to keep himself from falling to the ground, laughing. He did not do a good job at this, and Applejack had to help lift him off of the ground. “They couldn’t even find Princess Celestia’s pet bird until she was literally on fire. They lost both princesses to a bunch of crawling vines, for Celestia’s sake.”
“Ahem.”
There was a soft cough behind them, and they turned to see a couple of stallions standing guard on the other side of the hall, glaring daggers into the laughing pegasus. Rainbow Blitz stopped laughing for a moment and placed his hoof on the door. “You mind? We’re having a private conversation here.” He slammed the door and turned to Dusk Shine. “So you finally got the hots for a mare, huh? Well, it’s good you decided to wait until I came around. Blitz’s School of Marenomics is in session.”
Applejack and Dusk Shine rolled their eyes. “Listen, all I want is some advice on how to not look like a foal tonight.”
“Well, Ah’m sure y’all already have lots in common.”
“Well, she does know a lot about jazz.”
“Is she hot?” Rainbow Blitz asked. “Wait, who are we talking about?”
“Who do y’all think?”
“Well, I’m sure it’s not that obvious, Applejack.” Dusk Shine said.
“She’s kinda pretty, Ah guess.”
“If you can get past the attitude.” Butterscotch whispered.
“Butterscotch, I didn’t know you spent time with her.”
“I spent enough time with her.” Butterscotch replied under his breath to nopony could hear.
“Well, I’m sure that Fleur will be more than happy to catch up with you.”
“What?” Applejack and Butterscotch answered in unison.
“Yes, and now you know why I don’t want to embarrass myself.” There was a knock at the door, and as Dusk Shine went to answer it, Applejack and Butterscotch looked at one another in confusion. Dusk Shine opened the door and was greeted by Princess Celestia. “Oh, Your Highness.”
The stallions bowed, but she stopped them. “Please, my little ponies, rise. I just wanted to see how our prince was doing.”
“Sweatin’ like a caterpillar durin’ cider pressin’ season.” Dusk Shine punched Applejack playfully on the shoulder as Princess Celestia began to laugh. She unfurled a wing and wrapped it around her former student.
“Oh, don’t be so nervous, Dusk Shine.” she said. “I’m sure that Miss De Lis will have a wonderful time tonight. Remember, tonight is all about Bluebelle, so it’s not like you’ll have to do anything to keep everypony’s attention.”
“He just has to keep one pony’s attention.” Rainbow Blitz said. “And I’m the perfect stallion to give him the tips he needs.”
“I know.” Dusk Shine replied as he edged away and trotted back to the mirror. “I just want everything to go according to plan.”
“Well, that rarely, if ever, happens.” she said. “Sometimes, you just need to sit back. Take everything in.”
“Just smile and wave, Dusky.”
The ponies looked around the room for the source of the sentence, and their eyes finally fell upon a pink stallion standing in the corner of the room, wearing a small top hat and a dark pink bow tie. “So what are we doing?” He added as he glanced from pony to pony. Suddenly, his eyes blinked and his ears flapped. “Oh, somepony is trying to get over one of their fears.” Everypony in the room turned to Butterscotch. “Oh you sillies, I said trying to get over one of their fears.” Everypony turned away from Butterscotch and turned to Dusk Shine; everypony except Butterscotch, who simply looked down at the floor with a frown and scraped his hoof lightly against the tile.
“Look, Dusk Shine.” Princess Celestia said as she tried to comfort him. “I understand that a first… date… can be scary, but I promise, you will be fine.” She smiled and looked down at him.
As prince now you must behave with poise and dignity if in doubt just smile and wave the ponies there will see you are brave.
Until you learn every move just hold your head up high if in doubt just smile and wave nopony will deny you are brave.
I am sure that Fleur will notice what a nice stallion she’ll say so don’t be scared, you’ve got this but I’d remember anyway
if in doubt just smile and wave though you won’t need this trick remember the days you’ve saved I know through thin or thick you are brave.
So just smile and wave nopony will pay you mind so just smile and wave everything will be just fine
Outside, Dusk Shine could hear the sound of whistling. He looked back and forth to see if any of his friends heard it.
So just smile and wave everything will be just fine
Bubble Berry pushed open the door and held his foreleg out, guiding the ponies into the hall. A group of guard ponies stood outside with smiles on their muzzles. Dusk Shine squinted at them, but was distracted when Bubble Berry reappeared by his side.
Oh, Dusky you look so great I know that you’ll do fine nopony will see the sweat gathered at your neckline smile and wave
Dusk Shine’s eyes widened as he tried to turn to see if there really were sweat stains on his collar. Princess Celestia immediately facehooved.
This night will be so much fun and though your mane’s a mess you’re a stallion so it’s fine but if you get distressed smile and wave.
Dusk Shine shook his head and trotted down the hall, but Bubble Berry started bouncing behind him, followed by the guards.
So what if she is a model you kinda look nice, too I’m sure there’s a good reason that she would want to date you, too
“Hey!” Dusk Shine shouted but was immediately picked up by the guards and carried down the hall. “Wait, stop it. I swear-” He struggled and pointed at Princess Celestia, “To her!”
I’m sure that you won’t bore her with obscure history imagine her standing there with the crowds as you and she smile and wave.
“This isn’t comforting me at all, Bubble Berry!” Dusk Shine shouted as the entourage made its way down the stairs to the entryway of the castle.
So just smile and wave and you know you’ll have a chance so just smile and wave just don’t let her see you dance
“Wait. What was that last part?” He gritted his teeth as the guard ponies joined in and whistled again.
So just smile and wave have a great time at the dance
“That’s not what he said!” Dusk Shine struggled to lower himself from the guards’ grip. He turned and pointed angrily at Bubble Berry. “That’s not what you said!” The ponies stood on one side of the castle doors, waving at Dusk Shine, while Dusk Shine stood flabbergasted on the other side. Bubble Berry reached out, slammed the door shut, and then turned back to everypony.
“I think he’ll be just fine.”
*****
Fleur De Lis peered over her cup of tea and looked in the direction of Hoity Toity. She pursed her lips together and blew over the rim, causing a thin wisp of steam to waft across the table. Next to her sat Big Shot, who was currently writing on a notepad with a pencil held in his wingtip. She turned her attention to the window and read the clock tower’s time.
“Hmm. Nearing five o’clock.” She said loudly enough so the two stallions in her company could hear her. “Our Liege should be arriving rather soon.”
Big Shot looked up from his notes. “But I thought the party wasn’t for another two hours.” Both Fleur De Lis and Hoity Toity laughed as he said this, causing him to blush. “What?”
“Come now, little sparrow-” the pegasus shot Hoity Toity an angry look which he ignored. “Miss De Lis is attending the party as Prince Dusk Shine’s Consort for the evening. Of course he will be sending for her early. Everypony knows that she must look perfect for this event.” He lowered his sunglasses and looked over the mare. “Isn’t that right, my headliner?”
Fleur De Lis took a sip from her tea. “I will be sure to get good pictures, Mister Toity.” She turned to Big Shot and traced her hoof along the side of the drawing of Canterlot Castle that he had drawn. “Here,” she said, pointing to a small curve, “is the balcony overlooking the Royal Canterlot Gardens. The lights from the ballroom practically envelops the entire area. You won’t need to worry about a flash bulb.” She pointed to another line. “And here are the great windows, where you can get pictures of the two of us as we dance. The guards walk by the upper windows every half hour, so I won’t be on the ballroom floor at those times, is that clear?”
“You seem to know an awful lot about the guard schedule.” Hoity Toity replied with a raised eyebrow. “How many… private tours of the castle… have you had?”
“Please,” Big Shot said, “the guard schedules have been fixed for nearly a millennia. Everypony knows that. The guards are predictable.”
“Stallions are predictable.” She corrected him. “All I have to do is express concern about being a public figure. He’ll identify with that. A giggle here, a blush there, and then a laugh at some stupid joke. After that, he will want a dance.” She pointed to Big Shot. “That’s where you come in. Once the dancing is over, I move closer to his muzzle but turn away and gallop to the balcony. Big Shot, you’ll have to fly around the castle. They always have guards looking up-”
“I know.” Big Shot interrupted her. “I said I know the guard schedule. As a photographer-” he ignored Hoity Toity’s chuckle. “As a photographer, I know the layout of this city inside and out.”
“Good. After I get him out to the balcony, I say something about how nervous I feel. I do the whole ‘fragile mare’ act, and then he acts like a big stallion and comforts me.”
“And to think that Fancy Pants gave up such a treasure.” Fleur De Lis’s eyes widened. She began to reach up to Hoity Toity, but he simply held up a hoof. “Oh, stop.” He said as he stood up from the table. “Just remember that this plan has to go without a hitch. I took a huge risk hiring you. Normally, I wouldn’t dream of hiring a has been for my show.” Fleur De Lis sank back down into her seat. “But… given how important Fashion Week is, and knowing how… how shall I put this… business savvy you are, I couldn’t rule out that you would manage to do something like this to give your name recognition another boost.” Hoity Toity turned around and trotted towards the door. “I’ll be sure to let the other models know why you aren’t at rehearsal. Only ponies like you and your little sparrow could get away with it. I said it yesterday, and I’ll say it again. You all know your parts. Do not make me regret this.”
“You’re too kind.” Fleur De Lis replied. Hoity Toity smirked and left the room, leaving the model and the photographer alone. After a few moments of silence, she turned to Big Shot. “So, you know what to do. The better pictures you take, the better I look. The better I look, the more commissions you get. Aren’t you glad I took you under my wing?”
Big Shot stood up and flapped his wings. “Very clever. I just wish Mister Toity wasn’t such a jerk about it.”
“You get used to it.” Fleur De Lis laughed as she trotted over to the window. “It just how the game works here. You and I may not exactly be the most important pieces, but it could be worse.”
“We could be pawns.” Big shot replied.
“Oh Big Shot, you could be worse than a pawn.”
“How?”
“You could simply be the board that all of the pieces trample over.” Fleur De Lis glanced towards Canterlot Castle and saw a chariot take to the sky. “Ah, my chariot arrives.”
The two stood by the window as the chariot drew closer. Big Shot hid behind a curtain to make sure he wasn’t seen. They watched as the guards landed on the street in front of her house. Dusk Shine emerged from the chariot. Fleur De Lis noticed that his suit was already wrinkled from the ride over and that his sash was akimbo. Both of them facehooved as they watched him turn around in a circle as he tried to straighten out a wrinkle on his suit with his magic.
“Just wait outside in the alley.” She said. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
Big Shot nodded and flew out another window. Fleur De Lis turned to a mirror in the corner and checked out her reflection. She was glad that she had taken the time to have her dress delivered to the castle this morning. She left the room, trotted down the stairs, and opened the door. She tilted her head in confusion when she saw Dusk Shine standing in front of the chariot with a lopsided smile, holding a hoof in the air and simply waving it back and forth. She took a few steps forward, but he kept smiling and waving. She finally trotted next to him and held out a hoof.
“My Liege, are you all right?”
“What?” He replied as he shook his head. “Oh, yes. You look lovely this evening.” He levitated a rose from the chariot and over to Fleur De Lis. “From the Royal Gardens.”
“You truly are a gentlecolt.” She replied as she lifted the rose to her muzzle and froze for a moment. Perfect picture, she thought to herself. Dusk Shine led her to the other side of the chariot. A few moments later, they were back in the air towards the castle.
*****
The sun began to touch the horizon, and Elusive watched as the shadows stretched across the tile floors of the castle grounds. In the distance, he could already see the night guards approach the various checkpoints to replace the guards of the day. As he trotted through the halls, he couldn’t help but glance at one of the thestrals; her leathery wings flapped once, signalling the day guard to nod his head and salute. The pegasus took a step back and retired from his position, the thestral taking his place immediately and becoming still as a statue. The darkness approaches, he thought as he continued on his way. Each pair of guards that he passed continued the small ritual until he veered off to the ballroom.
In the ballroom, Elusive was greeted by the dying rays of sunlight shone through the windows. He trotted and looked down towards Canterlot. In the distance, he could see the ponies as they left work and made their way through the streets. A few pegasi took to the air and darted between the high rises. Somewhere down there is a storefront with my name on it, Elusive thought. “Designs, by Elusive,” he mused out loud, “Or Elusive’s Designs?” A low cough sounded behind him, and Elusive quickly turned around to see a pegasus standing right behind him. “Oh, you snuck right up on me, sir…” Elusive began and waited for the guard to introduce himself.
“ Sergeant Lighthoof, Sir Elusive.” Sergeant Lighthoof saluted. “I’m sorry, but I do have to ask you to leave for the time being. Her Highness has made it abundantly clear that nopony enter until the party begins.”
“Yes, of course.” Elusive replied as he tossed his mane back. “No apologies necessary. We wouldn’t want anything to go wrong at this stage now, would we?” Elusive kept his composure as Sergeant Lighthoof cringed as he turned to look at his hind leg. “The party begins at seven, correct?” the guard nodded. “And Her Highness will make her appearance at eight?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well then, I’d best be on my way.”
Elusive trotted alongside Sergeant Lighthoof as the sunlight started to fade. The room began to cool. As they reached the doorway, Elusive heard the sound of wheels turning. He looked down the hall and watched as the staff rolled down ice sculptures towards them. Sergeant Lighthoof placed a hoof on Elusive’s barrel and pushed him back.
“If you could please, sir.”
Elusive took a step back to let the ponies through. They set the ice sculptures up at the front of the ballroom, behind a long table where the hors d’oeuvres were to be placed. The deer stood in the corner next to the lion, and the ponies placed the elephant and the bull on the other side, leaving the bear with paws outraised in the middle.
“An interesting choice.” Elusive said.
“Sir?” Sergeant Lighthoof asked.
“Nothing.” Elusive replied as he began to trot down the hall. “Nothing at all. I daresay that this will be quite the ball, indeed. Until we meet again, Sergeant Lighthoof.” He continued down the hall until he was out of sight, leaving the guard to stare at the ice sculptures.
The sister princesses sat atop their thrones and looked on at the two rows of guards that lines the carpet leading from the doors to where they were seated. Princess Luna had wanted her Night Guard to be on one row and the Day Guard to be on the other, but Princess Celestia suggested that the two guards intersperse with one another as a way to reacquaint them with one another. As she looked at how the occasional thestral stood out amongst the white and grey stallions, she felt a slight nudge against her whither.
“You know Dusk Shine would have a fit if he saw how uneven the two rows looked, right?”
“Well then, it’s a good thing he’s not here right now to see.” Celestia replied as she cocked an eyebrow towards her sister. “Besides, I’ve noticed our niece looking up from her work to see the asymmetry, as well.”
Luna turned to the side of the room, where she saw Bluebelle arranging the crystal shards she had brought from her room. She moved one of the crystals ever so slightly to the left, then back to the right, and then she peered in between the spaces, pushing the crystal a fraction of an inch again. After she finished making sure that the crystals were all equidistant from one another, she turned her attention to the guards and huffed as she turned her attention from the thestrals to the unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies. Then another thought came to Luna’s attention.
“Wait.” She said. “Wouldn’t Dusk Shine want to be here for this? You, of all ponies, know how excited he would get at the chance to see the Anemoi as they first appear in their corporeal form. They only appear this way once the emissary comes of age. ‘Tis a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Celestia sighed.
“His… excitement is the main reason I didn’t want to risk him being here. He’ll be able to meet them at the ball.” The two heard a loud knock at the door and sat upright. “Ah, she’s here.”
They nodded to the guards closest to the door, who concentrated the magic in their horns to open them. As they opened, a familiar pegasus began to walk forward. He trotted up the row of guards and took his place in the spot at the end of the carpet closest to Luna and raised a hoof in the air.
“Presenting Her Highness, Princess of Love, Guardian of the Crystal Heart, Coregent of the Crystal Empire, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”
The guards raised their horns as one and began to play the royal entrance march as Princess Cadance trotted down the carpet. The sisters stood up and waited until Cadance was a few feet away, then all three bowed as one. Cadance took her place next to Celestia and then they turned their attention back to the front of the room.
“Presenting His Highness, Guardian of the Crystal Heart, Coregent of the Crystal Empire, Caption of the Crystal Guard, Captain Emeritus of the Canterlot Solar Guard, Prince Shining Armor.”
The royal entrance played once again, but instead of trotting down the carpet, Prince Shining Armor simply strolled into the room and smiled at his old friends. The two royal sisters kept their stoic expressions, but Celestia couldn’t help but notice the snickers coming from her niece. She glanced over and watched as Cadance’s lips began to quiver at the scene before her. Finally, Shining Armor joined his wife by her side. Celestia cleared her throat and gave her announcement to the guard.
“Thank you.” She said. “You have performed nobly and justly on this day. You are dismissed.” She stamped her hoof to the floor. The guards reciprocated and filed out of the room. When they were gone, she turned to Shining Armor and smirked. “How are you related to Dusk Shine again?”
“Oh come on.” The stallion replied. “If anypony’s the weird one, it’s little brother.” He looked around. “Speaking of which, where is he?”
“He went to retrieve his companion for the evening.” Luna replied.
“No kidding?” Shining Armor said as he raised a hoof to his chin. “Even little brothers grow up sometime. Who’s the lucky mare?” Nopony noticed that Bluebelle had arrived at the thrones just as he asked the question.
“Ahem.” Bluebelle interrupted the question. “But we’re ready.” She tried not to glare at Shining Armor, but as the stallion shuffled on his hooves and cleared his throat, she realized she didn’t do a good job at hiding her displeasure. She trotted to the corner of the room where she had placed the crystals and began to tap on each one. The ponies there lined up behind her and waited. Bluebelle closed her eyes. “From the corners of the earth, to the limits of the sky, I request to reunite with my King and Anemoi.”
Bluebelle took a step back as the crystals began to glow together. A large portal appeared before them, and a moment later, a large stallion stepped out of it and onto the floor. His snowy white mane cascaded down his withers and nearly wrapped around his front hooves, while his tail did the same with his hind hooves. His red robe layered itself over his tan fur and swaths of fabric collected at his barrel. Everypony but Bluebelle tried to keep from gasping when they saw his black eyes. The stallion inhaled deeply and as he did, color filled them so they the irises matched his fur. He looked around the room until his eyes landed on Bluebelle. He smiled and raised a hoof to her.
“Your Highness.” He said in a voice that seemed to float through the room. “It has been so many years.” As he talked, Bluebelle bowed her head, and the other princesses followed suit. Shining Armor, however, simply looked back and forth at his wive and aunts-in-law.
“I don’t get it.” he whispered so that only Cadance could hear. “He doesn’t have a horn or- oomph.”
He didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence because he was pulled to the ground by Cadance’s magic. “This is one of the only beings in all of Equus whose power rivals the Celestial Sisters. This is Bluebelle’s realm, not theirs. And for the love of Luna’s night, do not ask him why he is not an alicorn.”
Shining Armor wilted under his wife’s glare, but a moment later, they had all risen again.
“King Aeolus.” Bluebelle said as she reached for her aunts. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” The three larger ponies trotted forward and simply looked into each others’ eyes for a moment, and then broke into a laugh.
“It has been too long.” Aeolus said as he raised a hoof to Celestia and. He then offered his hoof to Luna. “Far, far too long.” Luna turned away for a moment. “But the past is gone, and tonight, we are here to celebrate.” He reached down to place his hoof next to Bluebelle. “And I must speak with my emissary in private. I trust the celebration will begin soon?”
“The guests will be arriving within the hour, Aeolus.” Celestia replied. Cadance and Shining Armor turned their attention to the portal and watched as more stallions began to emerge from the ether. “Ah, your sons arrive.”
Aeolus turned back to the portal just as the eight stallions took their place in line behind him. “Ah, yes, I present my sons. Skiron, Zephyrus, Lips, Notus, Apeliotes, Eurus, Kaikias, and Boreas.” They all inhaled and their eyes, too, filled with color. The bright blue stallion on the end locked eyes with Shining Armor and immediately trotted over.
“Oh good evening to you, sir. I don’t recall there being another prince in the party. And who might you be?” He held out his hoof.
“Uh, I’m… Shining Armor,” he replied as he took the stallion’s hoof. Prince of-”
“Oh, you must be Prince Dusk Shine’s brother.”
“How did you know that?”
“Let’s just say that you favor him in appearance.”
“I see.” He said as he looked to Cadance, who simply peered at the stallion with a quirked eyebrow. “And you are?”
“Charmed, but you can call be Boreas.” Cadance looked over at Bluebelle, who simply rubbed the back of her neck and looked around the room. She turned back just in time to see Boreas thrust his hoof in her muzzle. “And you are?”
“I’m Princess Cadance.” She smiled. “My husband and I are the coregents of the Crystal Empire.”
“That must be where you get that icy glare.” He whispered.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I said I am absolutely in love with your hair.”
Bluebelle tried not to watch the scene with too much interest, though it was rather amusing to see just how similar Dusk Shine was to his older brother when they got nervous. They both squirmed and leaned back on their hind legs just slightly and bit their lips. She shook her head as she realized what she was doing. She felt a hoof on her wither and looked up to see Aeolus looking at her.
“May I speak with you?” He asked.
“Of course.” Bluebelle replied as they turned to leave the other princesses behind to deal with the start of the party.
“Sister, ‘tis nearly seven, correct?”
“Yes, Luna, we should get down to the main hall to help greet everypony.” Luna held a hoof up to her muzzle to suppress a chuckle. “What is it?”
“You have lowered the sun, correct?”
“Yes…” Celestia replied.
“And ‘tis a clear night?”
“It is. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no reason.”
*****
“The night sky is so beautiful, My Liege.” Fleur De Lis looked out of the corner of her eye at Dusk Shine, who was currently blushing as he recalibrated the settings on the telescope in the Royal Observatory. As the gears began to turn, he made his way over to where Fleur De Lis was seated on a small wooden bench attached to the telescope. As he leaned in, he didn’t noticed her smirk on the other side of her muzzle begin to form. “And what is this one called?”
“This one is called Hydra, one of the largest constellations in the sky.” Fleur De Lis leaned in closer to give the impression that she was interested. “The legend goes that the Hydra actually guards the water gate to the Underworld to stop the living from passing through and the dead from getting out.”
“But I thought Cerberus guarded the gates to the Underworld.”
“He does. Actually, the Hydra lives just outside of Ponyville in the Froggy Bottom Bogg.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“You would think so, but actually, he stays put there. He is, however, very territorial.”
“Are you saying that one of the gates of the Underworld lies just outside of Ponyville?” She turned to look at Dusk Shine, who looked as though he was about to speak, but was frozen mid thought.
“That… is a very good point.” Dusk Shine looked over to the clock on the wall. “What do you know, it’s time for the ball.” He offered his hoof, and she took it delicately. She looked up at the open window and cursed herself for not thinking of this so that Big Shot could have been there to take a picture. Even in the dimly lit room, her gown shimmered. It wasn’t as formal as a gala dress, but she made sure that it was one of Hoity Toity’s more elegant designs. As she stepped down, the dress swirled down past her fetlocks and came to rest at the top of her hooves. They trotted to the door but as he opened the door, Dusk Shine ran into another stallion. They crashed to the floor and rolled up star charts flew out of the other stallion’s grasp and fell onto the floor. “I’m sorry. Wait, you look familiar.”
“My name is Blue Moon.” The stallion replied curtly but then gasped when he looked up. “My Liege I’m sorry. I’m just in a hurry. You were just looking up at the sky. Did you see it, too?”
“See what?” Blue Moon growled, picked up the star charts, and galloped away. The two could hear him muttering under his breath what did she do. They looked to each other, shrugged their shoulders, ignoring the stallion cursing under his breath as they left the room. As they neared the ballroom, they could already hear the sound of the jazz music as it floated through the air. “Black Ivory was definitely a good choice.”
“I told you so.” Fleur De Lis replied. As they neared the doors, the guards on either side opened them, revealing the ballroom.
They both gasped when she saw the inside. Silver and gold streamers lined the ceiling, crisscrossing back and forth to create a checkerboard pattern. A series of star shaped metal lamps replaced the large chandelier that was once in the center of the ceiling. They could see that palm trees had been placed between each of the windows with lighting beneath them so that the shadows stretched up the walls. One one side, they saw the lit ice sculptures standing behind a large table of hors d’oeuvres, and on the other side was the entertainment for the evening. The band, a collection of white furred stallions in white tuxedos, played an upbeat tune. In front of them sat a zebra in a black bowler blowing into a coronet and tapping his hoof on the stage. Front and center stood a zebra in a plain white dress stood in front of the microphone and swayed her hips back and forth as she belted out tunes. Her voice rose over the sound of hooves that hit the floor.
What’s the good of moonlight when you haven’t got a stallion to love my time’s just the time to spoon underneath the silvery moon
Fleur De Lis noticed that Dusk Shine was giggling. “What’s so funny?” She asked with a small laugh of her own. He turned immediately to her.
“We did it, Fleur.” he said. “We actually got this place to look great. Bluebelle is going to be so happy. I just can’t wait for her to see it.” He turned away just before Fleur De Lis’ smile fell. She suddenly felt herself dragged away from the entrance and to a small table to the side of the room. “Hey guys, are you all having a good time?” Fleur De Lis turned to the table and saw the other Elemental Bearers. “Miss De Lis, these are my friends - Applejack, Bubble Berry, Rainbow Blitz, and you probably already know Butterscotch and Elusive.”
“Butterscotch, my favorite stallion model. How are you doing this evening?” She held out her hoof.
“I’m… fine.”
“Oh, you should have modeled for Fashion Week. You know, Hoity Toity never forgave himself for not convincing you to stay in the modeling industry after you cut your contract with Photo Finish short.”
“Oh, no, it was fine, I-”
“He did not particularly care for the lifestyle, Miss De Lis.” Fleur De Lis turned towards Elusive’s gaze. “And let’s just leave it at that.”
“Ah, Elusive.” She smiled. “It is always a pleasure to see the up and coming designers, even if it is at a ball and not on the runway.”
“What can I say.” Elusive drilled his gaze into Fleur De Lis’ eyes. “Sometimes you just have to wait until the right time to strike. I’m just biding my time.”
“It’s good to think about the long term. I just hope you aren’t getting past your prime while you wait, as it were.”
“I’m sorry to have heard about you and Fancy Pants.” Elusive glanced over to Dusk Shine while he wasn’t looking. “Though I’m sure a mare like you will find a way to get along.”
Both Fleur De Lis and Elusive stopped talking and simply stared at one another for a moment. Dusk Shine turned back to the two. “Your Highness, wouldn’t you like to dance?”
“Let me just introduce you to the others. Guys?”
“Howdy.”
“Hiya!”
“Hello.” She replied and then took a deep breath and smiled. Then she turned to the rainbow-maned stallion who had suddenly forgotten how to drink his martini. His eyes widened as he looked at Fleur De Lis. After a few false starts, he finally managed to mutter a few syllables to her.
“So, you’re Rainbow Blitz?”
“Uh… um… yes I am hi I saw you in the magazines and thought you looked very pretty.” The last part of the sentence tumbled out of his muzzle.
“Oh, well thank you for the compliment.” She replied. She tried to ignore Applejack who was now squinting his eyes and tilting his head towards Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow. She looked up at a large clock above the stage. Something just outside one of the windows caught her eye - the fluttering of a wing - and she turned to Dusk Shine. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”
Dusk Shine bowed slightly and Fleur De Lis retreated. He felt a hoof land on his wither and he turned to see Elusive looking at him.
“Be careful, Dusk.”
“I’ll be fine.” He replied. “I have been taking dance lessons.” He lowered the hoof to the ground and trotted away. As the crowd instinctively opened up a path for him, he found Fleur De Lis standing at the window waving her hooves. “Miss De Lis!” The mare jumped and then turned to him. “How would you like that dance now?”
“I think now would be a perfect time.” She replied. They took a few steps towards the stage, but were stopped once again, but this time by two alicorns. “Oh, Your Majesties.” Fleur De Lis bowed.
“You may rise, Miss De Lis.” Celestia said. “Dusk, I am so glad to have run into you. Though I am surprised that I haven’t seen you sooner.”
“I just took Miss De Lis-”
“Oh, Your Highness,” Fleur said as her eyes darted in between the princesses, “I am fine with you calling me Fleur.”
“Well, I just took Fleur up to the observatory.”
“Did you happen to run into a stallion on your way here?”
“Yes, actually, Blue Moon, and he was in a hurry.”
“I see.” Luna said. “Well, then, I’m sure that you will be wanting to meet with the Anemoi later, and-”
“Wait, the Anemoi are here? A-a-as in real form?” Dusk Shine stammered as he looked around the room. “Where are they?”
“Oh they’re somewhere around here.”
“Your Highness, don’t you think we should try to get in that dance?”
“Are you kidding?” Dusk Shine replied. “The Anemoi are here! Do you realize what an opportunity this is? Oh you are going to love it!” Fleur De Lis felt herself pulled away once again through the ball room. Her gaze darted to the windows and at the pegasus flying around in the distance. That idiot better learn a better way to hide. Finally, the pulling stopped and she was able to regain her posture. In front of her was yet another alicorn, who simply pointed to Shining Armor and Boreas. She could see that Boreas was leaning in closer towards Cadance’s husband than most ponies would consider proper.
“Dusk.” Cadance whispered, punctuating every few words. “I don’t know how you already know him… but I know… that you will find a way… to get Boreas… away… from my husband.”
Fleur De Lis groaned.
*****
Bluebelle and Aeolus stared into the night sky. Even from here the sounds coming from the ballroom still managed to reach them. Bluebelle smiled as she listened to the echo of trumpets and a sultry voice. She imagined Dusk Shine trying to dance to the music. She had heard stories about his dancing abilities once while he attended a garden party. She stifled a laugh as she pictured his limbs jutting out in all directions and his eyes closed.
“You wanted to speak with me?” She waited for a response, but when none came, she turned to Aeolus. “What?”
“I’ve been speaking with Zephyrus and Boreas a few times since yesterday.” Bluebelle turned to Aeolus the moment he spoke.
“What?”
“I must admit I didn’t believe it when they told me, but now, seeing you, I think I have to believe them, because I do see it.”
“What do you see?”
“Love. Well, it isn’t so much love as it is the seeds of love.” She gave him an incredulous look. “Eh, who knows?” Bluebelle laughed to herself. “I know, I know. Waxing poetic like that is just how us old ponies speak to make ourselves seem smarter than we are.”
“But…”
“But, I’ve been in this universe for too many generations to count, and if there is anything that I have learned is that any time those seeds appear, they must be nourished.” Bluebelle sighed and went back into the castle. Aeolus followed quickly after her. They walked for a bit until they neared the back entrance to the ballroom where the stage was set up. Aeolus stopped her before she took another step. “What’s the matter?”
“It seems that those seeds of love have already been planted in Dusk Shine’s eyes.” She pulled back the curtain just enough so that they could see the middle of the dance floor. Every so often, the heads of Fleur De Lis and Dusk Shine would appear from between the crowds. “And he is so caught up with this idea of everypony being friends that he can’t see that she’s using him.”
“Well, you can’t control him.” Aeolus replied. “Maybe the best thing is to let him learn from his mistakes and be there for him.”
“Yeah.” She rolled her eyes and let go of the curtain. “Let her break his heart so that he won’t let another one touch it.” She looked over to Aeolus, who bent his head down to look her in the eyes.
“You can’t-” Bluebelle raised her hoof to stop him.
“No, please, don’t bring them up.”
Aeolus put his hoof down. “No, you need to listen to me. You can’t let something that happened eight years ago stop you from opening your heart to another.” He held Bluebelle’s hooves in his own. “The seeds of love can only grow in the garden of our hearts. It’s true, flowers may fade. But that doesn’t make their bloom any less beautiful.” He let go and trotted back to the curtain.
In our own lives we will find Many things that remind Of what we’ve lost
All things one day will be gone If you keep holding on At any cost
You will find in the end It’s like grasping at the wind Though I know To let go You will see
Though in life you’re apart If you look within your heart You will know Where you go There they’ll be
Bluebelle joined Aeolus and pulled back the curtain again. She looked at the ponies on the ballroom floor and watched as Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis spun around with the other ponies. She shook her head and turned away to trot down the hall.
If I let somepony in Will I be hurt again How can I learn?
If I open up my heart Will he rip it apart Or will it burn?
Though we fear love brings pain There is so much more to gain It grows larger than you or me
And once you play the part You’ll find room within your heart You will know Where you go There they’ll be
“What do I do?” Bluebelle asked. “I don’t want her to hurt him.” Aeolus simply leaned down and nuzzled her head. against his chin.
My dear child, just speak true About what he means to you Believe And I know You will see
When you love he will start To let you into his heart You will know Where you go
There he’ll be
“Bluebelle, it’s time to move on. I don’t know what will happen with this. Nopony does. But how can love bloom when you won’t even plant the seeds?”
She smiled. The two embraced just as the song from the stage finished to the sound of hooves stamping on the floor. They watched as Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis bowed politely to one another before moving to the side of the room. The door next to them suddenly burst open, and Boreas ran in.
“This is ridiculous.” He shouted. “Oh, there you are, Your Highness. I’ve been looking for you. Listen, we-”
“Is that a hoof mark on your cheek?” Aeolus asked. Boreas huffed and turned away. “Both of them?”
“Yeah, it is.” Boreas muttered. “Dusk Shine’s date is a monster. And don’t even get me started on Cadance. Princess of Love… more like Princess of Ironic Titles.”
“I’m not going to ask how it happened. I just need to know how to convince Dusk Shine how bad she is.”
“Have you ever considered just showing him how good you are instead?” The two looked at the bruised stallion. “You have to do something bold, something that will catch his attention.” He looked around and noticed that one of the dressing room doors was cracked open. He pushed the door open and noticed the sign read Black Ivory. He turned to Bluebelle with a smile.
Boreas chuckled as he place a white flower in Bluebelle’s mane. “Nonsense.” He said. “Think of it as reinventing yourself.” He pushed the neckline of the dress down a little. “Remember, We aren’t trying to make Fleur look bad, we’re just making you look better than her.” He tapped his chin in thought and then lifted Bluebelle’s mane from underneath the dress. “There. Now aren’t you just the cat’s pyjamas?” She lifted an eyebrow at him. “Hey, isn’t it supposed to be the Roaring Twenties in here? Take a look.”
Bluebelle let out a soft laugh as she turned to the mirror. Her eyes widened when she saw how she looked in the dress. It was black and reached down just past her knees. Covering it were lines of sequins that spread out from a central point just at her barrel, as though a silver sun shone in a night sky. At the hemline of the dress were rows of silver fringe that stretched down to her cannons. Boreas had pinned her mane back with the flower, leaving a good deal of her neckline open. She smiled at her reflection.
“Cat’s pyjamas?” Came a voice from behind. “I’d say more like the bee’s knees.” Zephyrus stood at the doorway and looked at the two of them as they put the finishing touches on Bluebelle’s outfit. “I wondered where the two of you went. And then father said that you two were back here scheming.” He cast his gaze between the two. “Boreas, I expect it from you, but Your Highness, what is he is trying to do?”
“We’re trying to help love bloom.” Boreas replied dramatically. “Is that a crime?”
“It depends. Are you using a potion?”
“Like the one you accidentally made with Golden Dream?”
“Boys!” Bluebelle shouted as she turned to the two Anemoi who were now inches away from each other. “We will not bring my ancestors into this. Zephyrus, we need your help. Can you get the others back here?”
“Why can’t Boreas go back out there?” Boreas gently touched his cheek. “Oh, right. Well, then, Your Highness, I will do as you command. I’m assuming father knows about this?”
“Of course he does.” she replied.
“Well then, if he feels this is a good decision, then I will be back shortly.” Zephyrus turned and trotted back to the door. “Oh, and Your Highness. Good luck.” He bowed his head and disappeared into the hall.
Bluebelle turned back to the mirror to look at her reflection. “Do you think it’ll work?”
“Oh, Bluebelle.” He replied as he leaned his head down next to her and stared into her reflection as well. “I have no idea.” Bluebelle rolled her eyes. “But what I do know is that this is now more than just about Dusk, or Fleur. This is about you. You trust Dusk, yes?” She nodded. “Then trust him when he says that most of those ponies out there deserve a chance to be trusted, too.” He hugged her and then went to the door. “We’ll be waiting for you. Oh, and one more thing.”
“What?” She turned to the doorway.
“Have fun.” Boreas bowed. “Your Highness.” And with that, he disappeared in the hall behind Zephyrus. Bluebelle turned back to the mirror and looked back at her reflection. She took a deep breath and leaned in.
“Showtime.”
*****
Dusk Shine cantered alongside the walls of the ballroom, looking for Fleur De Lis. Such a large crowd, he thought, I can’t even find the top of her head. He stopped for a moment as he passed the animal sculptures, coming to rest just beneath the elephant’s risen forelegs. Bluebelle needs to hurry up and make her appearance, he thought, no, find your date first, then worry about Bluebelle. He looked for a familiar face among the crowd and smiled when he saw a white stallion staring out the window.
“Elusive,” he called out as he neared him, “Thank Celestia I found somepony. Have you seen Fleur?”
“My guess is she’s on a balcony nearby.” He replied, unable to tear his gaze away from the darkened scene in the window.
“What are you looking at?”
“Oh, nothing.” He replied as he levitated a glass of wine to his lips. Dusk Shine took a step back and began to turn, but a hoof grabbing his foreleg stopped him. “Dusk.” Elusive began, taking another sip of wine. “Do be sure to always keep your wits about you.”
“Elusive, how much have you had to drink?”
“This is only my first glass, I’ll have you know.” Dusk Shine nodded and cantered away, leaving Elusive to stare out at the window. Out of the corner of his eye, he swore he could see a wing flapping in the night. He turned just in time to see his friend leave the ballroom. He squinted his eyes and finished the rest of his wine.
“Um, Elusive?”
Elusive felt a hoof land softly on his withers, and he turned to see Butterscotch with his gaze off to the side.
“Oh, what is it, darling?”
“Well, I didn’t mean to listen in on what you said, and I’m really sorry that I did, so please don’t be angry with me.” He answered, appearing as though he was frightened to look up. “But why were you warning Dusk?”
“Butterscotch, dear.” He said, levitating the empty glass to a nearby table. “It’s difficult to explain, but you remember the Photo Finish incident, right?” Butterscotch met his gaze for a moment, closed his eyes, and nodded. “Remember how you always had to hide beneath that hat and pair of sunglasses? Well, just remember that most of the ponies here are in the same situation.” He looked away again. “They’re just waiting for somepony to make a mistake.”
“I… I don’t really want to be here, Elusive.”
“Butterscotch.” Elusive looked down and saw that Butterscotch was trembling. He immediately reached out to hold him against his barrel, brushing his hooves against his mane. “Nopony said that you had to stay here. It’s all right. Besides,” he pulled Butterscotch away and looked down at him, “Don’t you have some garden animals to try to make your friends?” Butterscotch nodded, and Elusive couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “Then go.” Butterscotch smiled and began to trot away, making sure not to get in the way of any other pony in the room. Elusive looked out to the band and started to head towards the hors d’oeuvres, but stopped when he felt two hooves wrap around him.
“Thank you.”
Elusive watched as Butterscotch trotted away again, but more quickly this time. He turned his head back and forth to see if many ponies saw the scene before finding a young mare carrying a tray of wine glasses.
“Waiter.”
*****
“Fleur!”
Dusk Shine stood at the doorway to the balcony, looking out to where Fleur De Lis stood. The moon had already risen into the sky and was just above her head, casting a shadow across the stone and stretching it towards him. Before he could move towards her, she slowly turned her body around so that her dress flowed just behind her hooves. He smiled as her dress captured the moonlight, casting a glow all around her. As he trotted towards her, he could see a hint of a smile on her muzzle, but then she immediately turned away. “Fleur, what’s wrong? Are you not having a good time?”
“What?” She replied, tilting her head towards him. “Oh, I’m fine, Dusk.” She looked down at the rose that she had placed in one of the straps on her dress and levitated it in front of her. “I’m having a wonderful time.”
“This is partly because of you, so you have every right to be enjoying yourself.” She smiled out into the gardens below. Dusk Shine looked down and swore he could see a yellow pegasus walking between the trees. “To be honest, this feels almost like a fairy tale. Me, at a ball, with a prince.” She laughed to herself and tapped Dusk Shine’s muzzle with the rose.
“Well,” Dusk Shine rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I’ve never…” He stammered. “What I mean to say is that I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Oh, so this is your first date with a mare?” She replied as a grin formed. “Well, at least on that subject I’m sure I can help you.” Dusk Shine blushed. “Oh, stop that. You look too cute when you blush. It’s not fair to me.” His eyes widened as she took a step towards him.
“W-what do you mean?”
“Well, you like to read, so let’s put it this way.” She moved until they were inches apart from one another. “The stallion runs out to the balcony just as the music dies down. He sees his date beneath the light of the moon, and confesses that he’s never been so much as kissed before.” She smiled. “What do you think happens next?”
“I…” Dusk Shine began to close his eyes. “I-I think.” The crashing of a pair of cymbals in the ballroom caught Dusk Shine’s attention, and he jerked his head away and galloped to the entrance. He could hear the voice of a stallion calling out on the microphone fillies and gentlecolts. “Oh no! We’re going to miss the presentation of Bluebelle!” He galloped away, leaving Fleur De Lis alone on the balcony.
“Oh, come on!” She shouted to herself as she galloped after him. They arrived in the ballroom at the same time, just as Boreas trotted out to the center of the stage. She and Dusk Shine managed to make their way to the front of the crowd just at the front of the stage. The band’s podium had been divided, and from the middle, the Anemoi walked onto the stage.
Here she is, colts! Princess of Winds! Here's Bluebelle!
The band began to play and Bluebelle pushed her way out from behind the curtain. Dusk Shine looked to his left and saw that both Princess Celestia and Luna now stood to the side with their mouths agape.
Clear the snow! Bring the Spring! Get ‘em, Zephyrus!
Dusk Shine turned to his other side and saw his friends. He watched Elusive’s eyes widen and then he finished yet another glass of wine.
You want the story of the winds Well now, I write it! You want it? Well, I’ll tell it!
“Oh, I love stories, especially when they involve-” Bubble Berry started to speak, but Elusive placed a hoof in his mouth to silence him.
Some ponies wonder if Pegasi Control the winds when they work with the sky This pony does it and this pony’s bringin’ ‘em by!
Bluebelle pointed to all of the Anemoi who had gathered on the stage.
You see these ponies? Well I lead ‘em!
Hello, everypony! Meet Apeliotes, the southeast wind! He helps you with your farming, Mr. Applejack! His gentle wind carries pollen And it keeps the crops from stallin’
“Please, excuse me.” He heard Elusive whisper as he backed away from the stage. For a moment, Elusive shot him a glance that went between Fleur De Lis and himself. He watched for just a moment as he galloped out of the room, and then turned back to the stage.
Ready or not, shhh, here’s their roll call
Skiron blows the leaves Through the Autumn trees
Next up here comes Lips He sails through the ships
Eurus brings the rain With his eastern wind
Notus brings a lot of wind to make it hot
Kaikias commands storm winds through the lands
Boreas? Boreas?
He brings winter’s snow And then he will go For the spring’s warm glow
Zephyrus? Zephyrus?
Boreas let him go!
Bluebelle galloped to the side of the stage where the two Anemoi were currently wrestling. As she pulled them apart, they both looked down at the stage.
“Sorry, Your Highness.” Bluebelle smiled and turned back to the crowd.
Put ‘em together They help the weather Pegasi work with me in the background
I used to fear that everypony Was out to get me But thanks to the new Prince of Friendship
All my life I worried for nothing Thanks a lot for helping me to see That more ponies out there are like me
Bluebelle reached the part of the stage where Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis stood. He swayed from side to side as the band played on.
And now it seems Life can be a dream, Luna I just could not see, Dusky
“I knew I wasn’t the only one who thought of that name!” Bubble Berry shouted, spitting out the drink that was in his mouth.
“Yeah… Great.” Shining Armor replied, wiping the sassparilla from his mane.
And since you helped me to see To trust when I see Canterlot ponies!
The lights in front of the stage flashed, and a line of guards appeared on stage.
Well, starting today, you see a new me! I want to make new friends with you! All who thought I was good for nothing Now you know my place in this world! Starting now I trust in friendship! Back off guards, I’m doing it my way!
As she crossed the stage, Bluebelle pushed each guard off and replaced them with one of the Anemoi. Aeolus began to rush toward the stage, but Celestia and Luna held him back and simply shook their heads. The Anemoi began to chant as Bluebelle returned to the center of the stage.
See all the winds listen to Bluebelle! All the winds listen to Bluebelle! All the winds listen to Bluebelle!
They come to me!
Zehpyrus looked around the audience and then turned to Bluebelle. He began to gently blow through his lips. The wind lifted Bluebelle’s mane and tail so that it flowed around her haunches and her withers.
To me! To me! To me! To me! To me!
To me!
Bluebelle threw herself onto her hind legs and waved her forelegs in the air. The Anemoi were busy staring out to the crowd pointing at Bluebelle. For a few moments, the ballroom was silent. And then the cheering started. Bluebelle looked out onto the audience, but even the fact that the other princesses were clapping at the front of the crowd with Aeolus wasn’t what caught Bluebelle’s attention; it was Dusk Shine’s smile. He had covered his muzzle with both hooves and his eyes lit up brighter than the stage lights. She turned to each of the Anemoi, who looked at her and bowed, until she reached Boreas, who winked at her. She trotted to the microphone stand and made her announcement.
“Fillies and gentlecolts.” Bluebelle said with a small smile on her muzzle. “I want to thank everypony for coming out tonight!” The crowd cheered and she couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I also want to thank my aunties for their support. I want to thank His Excellency, King of the Winds, King Aeolus.” She turned to him, and he looked straight back at her, his smile beaming through the room. “Obviously, the Anemoi.” The crowd cheered with two notable exceptions, both of them casting harsh glares at Boreas. “And I can honestly say that this night wouldn’t have happened without the help of two particular ponies. Prince Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis.” She turned to the two as the crowd cheered for them, Dusk Shine slowly turned around so that he could smile and wave, but she saw that Fleur De Lis kept her gaze to her. “And now, let’s get back to the party. Let’s dim the lights. And have fun, everypony!”
Fleur De Lis’s eyes widened as the lights began to dim. No, she thought, the lighting. The lights! She began to pull on Dusk Shine’s hoof as she made her way back to the balcony. “Dusk, Dusk, I think I need some air. Won’t you accompany me?” She began to pull him toward the hall when she bumped into another pony. “Watch where you’re-” She shouted, but stopped when she saw Butterscotch trembling at the floor, next to a concerned Elusive.
“I’m so sorry.” He said. “I-I wasn’t watching where I was going. I didn’t spill anything on you, did I? Did I ruin your dress?” Elusive glared at Fleur De Lis for a moment, sighed, and helped Butterscotch up. “I-I’m really sorry, Fleur.”
“Now, don’t worry, Butterscotch, dear.” Elusive replied as he held the pegasus. “No harm no foul. Fleur, weren’t you about to apologize to Butterscotch?”
Fleur De Lis watched as the lights began to dim around them, outside, she watched as the balcony area was consumed by shadows. She blinked a few times, and then turned to the three stallions with a smile plastered on her muzzle. “Yes… sorry… I’m a bit… out of sorts…” You know your part. Her eyes darted from Butterscotch to Dusk Shine and then to Elusive, the implications of what happened finally becoming apparent. Do not make me regret this. “At the moment.” She turned to the stage at the curtains where Bluebelle had ducked away to. I took a huge risk hiring you. “Please, excuse me.” She cantered away and leapt onto the stage. The curtain glowed in her aura, and she pushed it away and galloped into the darkness.
*****
“Magnificent!”
“Your Highness, you were amazing!”
Bluebelle couldn’t help but not laugh at the antics of the stallions before her. One by one, they hugged her and continued to blurt out compliments.
“Did you see how excited the ponies were?”
“Did you see the look on father’s face when we knocked those guards off of the stage?”
“Brothers, please!” Zephyrus shouted as he got the others under control. He turned to Bluebelle. “Your Highness, that performance, how do they say it… made the mountains crack.”
“Oh, please.” Boreas replied. “It was simply top drawer!”
“You guys.” Bluebelle laughed as she held a hoof out. “The idioms are getting out of hoof. Listen, you guys go back out there, I’m going to get dressed and I’ll see you all later, okay?”
“You heard the bearcat.” Boreas continued, “Let’s blouse.”
Bluebelle rolled her eyes at the statement and turned back to the dressing room mirror. The Anemoi filed out of the room, leaving Bluebelle to finish getting ready. She levitated her ballgown off of the ponnequin in the corner of the room and smiled to herself. “I can’t believe I let myself do that.” She said to herself as she pulled the flower out of her mane.
“Neither can I.”
Bluebells gasped and turned to the doorway, where Fleur De Lis stood glaring at her. As the enraged mare began to trot towards her, she instinctively backed up until she hit the wall. “Fleur, what are you doing back here?”
She slammed the door shut behind her and kept moving forward, her lips quivering as she found the words. “Do you realize… what your little stunt did?” Fleur De Lis’ eyes shot left and right, as though she couldn’t even focus on any one part of her. “The planning that I did… helping him plan this ridiculous party of yours.”
“Fleur, please, I know it will be hard to believe, but this had nothing to do with you. I just-”
“I know!” She shouted. “I know it had nothing to do with me! It was about Dusk!” She laughed to herself. “You know how it works in Canterlot. Out of all the stallions… Hoity Toity, Fancy Pants… why him? Why now?”
“Listen, Fleur.” Bluebelle replied. “He’s different. He made me see that it actually doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to use each other. I’m sure if you listen to him, you’ll see that-”
“Listen to him? Really? Two days with him and you expect me to believe that he’s changed you, just like that?” She stomped her hoof onto the floor. “You don’t get it. The pictures from tonight were my last chance to-” She stopped herself. “Bravo, Bluebelle. Bravo. Not only do you destroy everything that I’ve worked so hard for, but you also get to play the heroine, too.”
“Fleur, I-”
“And just last night.” She continued as her eyes began to water. “Just last night you were trying to convince me that you were above all of this. You’d played the game even better than I did. You see, we are just the same, aren’t we?”
“She is nothing like you.”
Fleur De Lis sighed and closed her eyes. Bluebelle watched as the door slowly opened and Dusk Shine took a tentative step in. He stopped at the doorway, but refused to turn his gaze up to the two mares. “Elusive told me… to follow you… to make sure you were… okay.” He took a sudden inhale. “Fleur… everything you-” He closed his eyes. “Everything?”
Fleur De Lis scoffed and turned around. She stepped forward, but then stopped and turned her head to Bluebelle. “I guess this is checkmate, isn’t it, Bluebelle?” She made her way to Dusk Shine, levitated the rose from her dress strap, and let it float in between the two of them. “Welcome to Canterlot, Your Highness.” Her aura disappeared from the rose and it fell to the floor. “You’ll get used to it.” She looked straight ahead and trotted past Dusk Shine without a further glance, and disappeared into the hallway.
Bluebelle heard the ticking of a small clock on the wall. A minute passed with only the sound of their breathing. Finally, Bluebelle walked to Dusk Shine, but when she held her hoof out to him, he took a step back. “Dusk.” She whispered.
Dusk Shine took another step back and headed to the door. “Your performance was wonderful, Bluebelle.” A moment later, he too was gone. Bluebelle stood there, her gaze cast down to the fallen rose.
*****
Elusive stood near the castle entrance, his gaze moving back and forth between the hall that led to the ballroom and the one that led to the kitchen. He heard the sound of a dress trailing on the floor, and looked over to see Fleur De Lis galloping towards him. When she got there, the two of them simply stood and looked at one another.
“You told him to make sure I was okay? Really?”
“Isn’t that what a gentlecolt would do?”
“It truly is a shame.” Fleur De Lis laughed. “You’ll never have what it takes to make it here.”
Elusive shrugged. “That’s your opinion. As I said, I like to play the long game. I’ll find my time to strike.” He smiled. “If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s bide my time. I managed to play a little part in knocking you off, didn’t I?”
“You knew?” She asked.
“Your little photographer isn’t very good at hiding.”
“At least I was able to get on the board.” Fleur De Lis smirked and cantered to the entryway.
“Just you wait.” He replied after her. When she was gone, Elusive heard another set of hooves approach. “Bubble Berry, we have work to do.”
“Yeah,” The pink stallion replied. “About that. Are you sure it’s still a good idea, Lucy? I mean, the ponies there really seem to like Bluebelle.”
“Yes, I’m sure they do.” Elusive said as he placed his hooves on Bubble Berry’s withers. “But come on. Greatest prank, remember?” He smiled at Elusive, and together, the two of them made their way back down the hall to the kitchen.
Bluebelle emerged from behind the bandstand and looked around the ballroom floor for Dusk Shine. She could see the princesses standing near the stage with Aeolus, glancing back and forth to either side of the stage. They must be waiting for me, she thought as she began to trot through the room. In the distance she could see Rainbow Blitz and Butterscotch and hoped that Dusk Shine would have joined them, but her heart fell when she realized that the purple stallion was nowhere to be seen.
“Bluebelle!”
She turned and saw Luna calling her over waving from the other side of the room. She felt for the pouch on the side of her dress, gave one last glance at the stallions and began to trot through the crowd. As she made her way through, she glanced back and forth at the well wishers as they congratulated her. What surprised her most was the sincerity behind the words.
“The song was amazing, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ve never seen you so animated before.”
“Thank you, I-”
“I daresay that you may have started a new trend for the young mares to perform at their own birthday parties, Your Highness.” Bluebelle nodded to the stallion with the monocle who spoke. “Your performance was wonderful.”
“Yes.” Bluebelle replied as the smile faded away as she recalled Dusk Shine’s mirrored sentiment from earlier. “Thank you, Mister Fancy Pants.” She replaced her expression with a fake smile. “If you could excuse me, Aunt Luna is calling for me.” The ponies bowed as she backed away from the crowd and continued on towards the princesses. Once she reached them, she let the smile drop from her muzzle. “Where is he?”
“There she is.” Celestia said, not noticing her niece’s comment. “I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that what you just did went a very long way in changing ponies’ perceptions of you.”
“Auntie, please,” Bluebelle asked, “Did you see where he went?”
“Where who went?” Luna asked.
“Oh, Prince Dusk Shine?” Aeolus asked. “I do believe he went out that way a few minutes ago, by way of that door near the deer ice sculpture.” He pointed to the exit. Bluebelle started to leave but he stopped her. “I am very proud of you, Bluebelle.” He held his hoof up to her cheek. “Your parents would be, too.” She placed a hoof over his and squeezed. Slowly, they lowered their hooves and Bluebelle galloped through the crowd to the door.
“And what was that about?” Celestia asked from behind. Aeolus didn’t turn around, but instead kept looking at the exit.
“Oh, sister.” Luna began to answer with a chuckle before she stopped herself. “Actually, wait. where did Dusk Shine go? And where is Miss De Lis?” Aeolus continued to watch the exit that the stallion had galloped out of a few minutes earlier, closed his eyes, and shook his head.
*****
Dusk Shine sat at the bench next to the lake that ran along the side of Canterlot castle and looked up to the balcony where he was standing with Fleur De Lis less than an hour ago. He looked down to the sash that had been irritating him all evening and saw that it was once again uneven. He snorted, surrounded the sash in his aura and threw it off of his coat and watched as it fell to the ground. A breeze blew through the air, sending ripples across the lake, which caused the narcissi at its edge to bend back and forth as though they shook their heads at him.
“Now Ah see why Butters likes to spend all his time out here.” Dusk Shine turned his eyes just enough to see Applejack enter the garden out of the corner of his eye. “To think.” He continued as he shook his head. “There’re more flowers out here than Ah’ve seen mah whole life.” He chuckled to himself as he batted away a few strands of weeping willow branches from his mane, but stopped when he noticed that his friend hadn’t turned his head. He looked down and saw the sash on the ground. “Ah couldn’t help but noticed that Fleur wasn’t with ya.” He sat down next to Dusk Shine. “What happened?”
“She was lying.” He replied flatly as he shrugged his shoulders. “Bluebelle was right. Ponies here will do anything to get ahead.” He continued to look out at the lake. “It does make logical sense, in a way.”
“Now, sugarcube, maybe now’s not the best time to make excuses-”
“No, it makes sense.” He continued. “Ponyville and Canterlot really are two different places.” He got to his hooves and began pacing back and forth. “Does that make Ponville the outlier? What if the only reason that Ponyville is how it is is because all six of us lived there? What if ponies are naturally like her and only look out for themselves?”
“You’re ramblin’ again.”
“Should the six of us separate and go to different parts of Equestria? What if the only way to make the ponies see the magic of friendship is for us to be together all the time? What if I-?”
“Dusk, sit down!” Dusk Shine stopped mid-sentence and fell onto the bench. Applejack sighed and sat down next to him. “Sorry about that. Ah just hate it when you start to get like that.” Both stallions went silent for a moment and listened to the wind in the grass. “Dusk, can you honestly tell me that you believe that we are the only six ponies in Equestria who believe in friendship?”
“Of course not, there-”
“Besides the princesses and your brother.” Dusk Shine concentrated for a moment as Applejack shook his head. “Look, Ah know you just got hurt, and Ah ain’t gonna lie, havin’ a mare feign her attraction to ya just because of your looks or your status hurts. But it’s easy to see that you’re already lettin’ this get to ya.” Applejack laughed, to Dusk Shine’s chagrin. “This same thing happens with mah sister all the time. The stallions just want one thing from her, and-”
“Excuse me?” Dusk Shine shouted. “I just found out that the first mare that I ever felt more than friendship towards was using me just to step up some stupid social ladder. Not only that, but Bluebelle even warned me about Canterlot ponies, but I naively believed that everypony wanted to be friends deep down.”
“That’s what Ah’m tryin’ to-”
“No! You’re trying to compare apples and oranges.”
“Just one Apple-”
“You know what I meant!” Dusk Shine jumped up again. “So some stallions find your sister attractive and they want to get with her. But how far do you think Fleur would have taken this? How long do you think she would have just used me as a prop for her status? I don’t need to hear any country words of wisdom from you!”
Applejack’s eyes widened. He prepared to leap forward but stopped himself. Instead, he slowly got up, took a deep breath, and trotted back towards the castle. “Dusk, Ah’m gonna head back to the party before some stallion says somethin’ he’ll regret.” Dusk Shine refused to turn around, but instead focused on the narcissi. “All Ah was tryin’ to say is that it hurts when ponies say they love ya because of one thing. You’re a prince, but you’re also stubborn as a mule. You’re smart and y’all care much more about the happiness of the ponies in Canterlot than ya want to admit right now. Y’all deserve a mare that loves all of ya.” Dusk Shine stayed in place but turned his eyes to the water. He heard the scuffling of hooves. “Excuse me, Your Highness.”
Dusk Shine kept his gaze at his reflection, even as the sound of another pair of hooves drew closer. A light caught his eye, and saw his sash enveloped in a golden aura as it flew above his head and lowered itself to his withers. Bluebelle was at his side a moment later, staring at herself alongside of him.
“You were right, Bluebelle.” Dusk Shine said after a moment of silence. “About everything.”
Bluebelle rest a hoof on his shoulder. “No, I wasn’t. We were both wrong. Or both right, depending on how you want to look at things. You thought all ponies were good, and I didn’t. As much as I hate being proven wrong.” The two of them snorted as soon as she said it. “I’m very grateful that it was about this.”
Dusk Shine reached his hoof over her withers and gave her a hug. “Happy Birthday, Bluebelle.” Bluebelle left the hug and stood up. She held out a hoof for Dusk Shine. “What’s this?”
“It’s a hoof, Your Highness. One offers a hoof in friendship. Or in this case, when they want to help another pony up.” Dusk Shine smiled and grabbed her hoof, and they made their way to the castle. “The party isn’t over yet.” They continued on through the hall until they reached the ball room once more just as the music began to die down. A few of the partygoers whispered amongst themselves when they saw the two, but Bluebelle paid them no mind as they walked through the crowd.
“Bluebelle, aren’t you worried about what other ponies will think?” Dusk Shine asked as he glanced down at their hooves.
“I want them to know that you’re my friend.” Bluebelle smirked and cast a sideways glance towards Dusk Shine. “I didn’t really care what they thought when I believed they were all bad, and now that I know they aren’t, I at least know that they want to see me happy. If I can help make you happy, then I’ll be happy. Understand?”
“I think so.” He replied as the zebra stallion stood up, set his coronet on his chair, and trotted to the microphone.
“Fillies and Gentlecolts.” He said as his half-lidded eyes scanned the room. “Tonight, we celebrate Her Highness, Princess Bluebelle, as she passes into marehood. Your Highness. “he lifted his hat off of his head and bowed. “If you let an old stallion offer his words to you as his gift, I just want to say that there will be moments in life that you will want to keep close, and moments in life that you will push away. But just remember that every moment in your life is just that - a moment. No matter if you hold them or let them go, don’t let them define you. Let you define you. No matter what happens, just be sure to hold whatever moments you can, even if it is just for now.”
The zebra stamped a hoof to the floor, and the band began to play. Bluebelle pointed out to the middle of the dance floor. “May I?” She asked. Dusk Shine smiled and followed her.
Two hooves combine And our hearts intertwine Let me say you are mine And I am yours For now, this moment There are no more fears For now only you and me
You’re all I see I dream of what could be If we set our hearts free If just for now For now, I’ll hold you Hold you close to me So close and never let go Even though I know it must be for now
For now there’s nothing In between you and me For now the world can simply pass us by I’ll try to keep you safe with me though I know It must be just for now
Dusk Shine and Bluebelle spun in ever tighter circles as the music crescendoed. He turned his eyes down to meet hers. The lights from above reflected in her eyes, and he couldn’t help but stare into their icy blue depths. The ponies around them became a blur of top hats and dresses. She tilted her head.
‘What is it?” She asked.
“So what do we do?”
“Well, you did say that friendship was, how did you put it, ‘kind of your thing.’ So you have your work cut out for you here.” Dusk Shine’s smile faltered, but Bluebelle leaned in. “But you were able to make a pony like me see it. And I’ll be here to help you each step of the way.”
“I’d like that.” He replied as the smile returned.
“Me, too.” She answered.
Oh don’t let this moment slip away Can’t you and I just stay
Here for now there’s nothing In between you and me For now, the world can simply pass us by I’ll try to keep you safe with me although I know it must be just for now
For Dusk Shine, it seemed as though the room finally stopped spinning, but they had simply stopped dancing. He looked at her once more; he felt a warmth grow in his barrel when he noticed her leaning forward. “Bluebelle, I-”
“Shh.” she whispered. “It’s okay, Dusk.” She leaned in closer and gave him a hug. “Everything’s going to be fine. I promise.” She pulled away and Dusk Shine gave her a sheepish smile. He looked around and saw that the other ponies had surrounded them and were stomping their hooves lightly on the floor. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe they are getting ready to roll out Chef Dior’s big top cake.” She took a step back, bowed to him, and trotted towards the table, but stopped once she reached the steps. She smiled to herself, turned around, and waved for Dusk Shine to follow her. When she saw his face as he began to gallop towards her, she couldn’t help but laugh. No matter what, she thought, at least I know he’ll be there.
*****
“Is everything ready?”
“It is.” Bubble Berry replied, but as Elusive made his way to the entrance, he held up his hoof. “Wait, what’s Dusky doing?”
“What do you mean?” Elusive asked as he peeked around the corner. Bubble Berry pointed to the scene. There was Bluebelle, trotting towards the stage. But as she turned around and waved to the crowd, it was the stallion that started galloping that caught his attention. “What is he doing?”
“Lucy, I don’t know about this. Pranking Bluebelle is one thing, but I-”
“Nonsense.” He cut him off. “Remember when you and Rainbow Blitz switched out his regular ink for invisible ink?” Bubble Berry nodded. “He took that in stride, did he not?”
“That’s true…” he mumbled, still unsure of himself. Elusive’s mind ran numerous thoughts. Finally a tiny smirk appeared on his muzzle.
“Well, if you are that worried about Dusk Shine getting dirty, why not simply distract him?”
“Okay, but then how will I see the prank?”
“Oh Bubble Berry.” Elusive replied as he edged closer towards him. “If you’re in the room, everypony will know it was you immediately. Besides, isn’t half the fun of a prank trying to figure out who did it?”
“Well, since you put it that way...” Elusive took a step back and Bubble Berry galloped through the entrance. Bubble Berry waved his hoof towards Dusk Shine just as he reached the steps to the stage. “Dusky!”
“Hey, Bubble Berry. I’ve barely seen you all evening. What have you been up to?”
“Oh, yeah, um, just busy.” Bubble Berry looked back and forth between the prince and princess. “There was something that I needed to show you.”
Dusk Shine turn to Bluebelle, who simply shrugged. “Okay.” Dusk Shine replied. “What is it?”
“Oh, it’s um… something.”
“Something?” He asked as he raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, something. You know how it is. A thing… that has… something.” He could see Dusk Shine play scenarios in his head judging by the way his eyes darted back and forth, as though he were reading something in midair. “I’m sure it will only be a few minutes.”
“Your Highness.” A guard motioned behind Bluebelle. “The cake is approaching. I overheard Princess Celestia whispering that she can smell it.”
“Oh dear, what’s this?” Bluebelle feigned shock. “A potential disaster that I, and not the Elements of Harmony, have to prevent?” She and Dusk Shine chuckled at that.
“You’re getting better at those jokes.”
“Ha ha ha ha!” Bubble Berry laughed uncomfortably loud. “That’s funny, Bluebelle. Dusky, there’s the thing. You know, the thing that’s the something over there while we’re over here. So why don’t we stop being over here and start being over there?”
Dusk Shine glanced over at Bluebelle once more, who nodded. “It’s all right, Dusk. I’m a grown mare. I can cut my own cake. You investigate the thing that’s the something.”
As the two stallions left the room, Bubble Berry saw another guard roll the cake down the hall. He heard Dusk Shine sigh as the crowd inside began to cheer.
“Oh that’s a shame.” He said.
“What is?”
“Chef Dior was able to change the icing colors to silver and gold, but he wasn’t able to make it shimmer and change like he did with the previous icing.” Bubble Berry’s jaw dropped. How could I have not noticed that, he thought.
“Oh, yeah… that’s a shame there, Dusky.” Dusk Shine turned to him. “So, yeah, the thing.”
“Yes…” He said, though with a bit more suspicion that Bubble Berry was used to. “Where did you say it was, again?”
“It was…” He looked around and his eyes rest on the cake just before it disappeared into the ballroom. He could hear Aeolus speaking in there, but he couldn’t tell what he was saying. “It was in the kitchen!” He shouted as he ran down the hall. He turned the corner and came to a screeching halt when he saw who was on the other side. He heard the sound of hooves screeching against the tiles behind him, and found himself on the floor a moment later with Dusk Shine on top of him.
“What is this?”
Bubble Berry looked up as Dusk Shine struggled to get off of him. The wide-gaited stallion reached out to him the two of them up and then he bowed to the prince. “Ah, Chef Dior.” Dusk Shine said. “Bubble Berry had mentioned there being an issue in the kitchen. Does this have anything to do with you not being able to recreate the color changing spell on your icing?” Bubble Berry took a step back.
“What's going on?” Dior asked. “What do you mean ‘not recreating the spell’?” Dior glared at Bubble Berry, who was now beginning to adjust the tightness on his bowtie. “I was up all night recreating that spell just to have it work, and now you are saying that I didn’t do it?”
“I just walked by it, sir.” Dusk Shine answered defensively. “It wasn’t shimmering. It was silver and gold, but none of the magic was there.”
“Wait, this doesn’t have anything to do with that one unicorn I heard was lurking in my kitchen this morning, does it?” Dusk Shine looked over to Bubble Berry, whose breathing had become a bit labored. “Gilded Lily said that Sir Elusive was in the kitchen this morning, flirting with her like he had just finished a thousand years banishment on the moon!”
“Elusive, but that doesn’t make any sense. Unless...” He glared at Bubble Berry. “Didn’t you two mention going to the kitchen this morning to make sure all of the details were perfect? What’s going on?”
*****
“To hold your hoof against the wind, from your grasp it slips away into the night, just as well to hold desert sand, such is desire, such is life.”
Silence filled the ballroom as King Aeolus began his speech. Off to the side, Bluebelle stood next to the cake and watched as he stared at his upturned hoof. She looked across the room and watched as the other ponies squinted their eyes quizzically.
“The Anemoi and I are from a more different world than you ponies here could know. I have seen generations of ponies come and go, and to us it is a mere blink of an eye. Empires have risen and fallen, only to rise again. Rulers have been banished, reaffirmed, and destroyed. All of these things my eyes have seen, and will see long after you have all gone.”
The Princesses Luna and Cadance as well as Princes Shining Armor glanced to Princess Celestia, who simply stared ahead like a statue. The guards around them shuffled uneasily in their armor.
“I have felt the winds of my Anemoi as you have felt them. And I know that each of you, in your own way, has a place in this world, has a task to perform. Life is so fragile, so short, that to do anything in these brief moments other than to look around you and see just how amazing and rare the pony is standing next to you is, is nothing but pride and vanity.”
Bluebelle turned to Applejack and saw that his hoof clasped against the locket at his neck. She couldn’t help but gasp as Aeolus turned and pointed a hoof at her.
“My Emissary’s task in this world is to assist me. It is a task that she had to perform at an age much younger than her predecessors. But in all my years, to see a pony so young able to accept her role in this world. For somepony to set aside her own fillyhood and step so willingly into a role that affects not only Canterlot, but all of Equestria, to know that her actions move all of you... I can only say that to know such a mare is like finding a fully bloomed desert rose. Your Highness, I would gladly trade my immortality is I could be assured that there would be more ponies like you.”
Bluebelle tried to keep her gaze straight, but she couldn’t stop herself as she looked down at her hooves. She wished Dusk Shine could have heard this. She wished she could have seen the look on his muzzle as he spoke each word to her. Still, she looked back up and out to the crowd again.
“I would like to make a wish, too, if I may, Princess Bluebelle. Tonight, the ponies here and in all of Equestria recognize your transition from fillyhood to marehood. But I already saw it years ago. You have your father’s passion and your mother’s wit in you. My wish is to know that you kept both of their hearts with you, as well.”
Aeolus lowered his hoof and took a step back. The crowd began to cheer as Bluebelle took a step forward and fell into his embrace. They separated, and Bluebelle took the knife at the table into her aura and began to levitate it toward the cake. She was too busy focusing on the cut to notice Elusive’s eyes and smile grow as it floated closer and closer to the icing amidst the continued cheering.
*****
“It-it’s just a harmless prank.” Dusk Shine’s eyes widened as the other stallion continued to speak. “You know… like the invisible ink?” Bubble Berry offered a helpful smile, but he remained frozen in place. “Elusive said that you guys would find it funny.”
“Find what funny, exactly?”
“Well, you see.” Bubble Berry fidgeting with his hooves and let them clack them together. “I sort of made up a special frosting that reacts to metal. It… repels it.” He covered his eyes with his hooves.
“You mean… an exploding cake?” He nodded in response, and Dusk Shine’s memories went back to Bluebelle. He remembered how often she would wash her hooves and how she never wanted to touch door handles. He thought back to yesterday in the garden as she started to fall in the mud; the look of terror on her muzzle before he caught her sent a shiver down his spine.
The sound of cheering erupted from the ballroom. “Bluebelle!” He shouted, but he knew immediately that his voice wouldn’t be heard against the thunderous applause. He tried to focus his magic to teleport, but couldn’t concentrate on anything but Bluebelle. He shook his head and started running.
He entered the ballroom and gasped. In front of him stood Elusive, who turned at the sound of Dusk Shine’s hooves. As soon as their eyes met, Elusive’s smile disappeared immediately and Dusk Shine’s grimace grew. “How could you?” He asked. When Elusive said nothing, he began to gallop through the crowd. “Bluebelle!” He shouted, and when he did, she turned towards him. He watched as her eyes lit up and her smile grew just as the knife touched the cake.
*****
Dusk Shine was blind. The sounds of screaming and furious hoofsteps echoed in his ears. He heard a few guards start to shout as well as Aeolus’ voice booming through the crowd. A moment later, he felt a blast of cold wind against his fur.
“Get them under control!” He heard his brother shout. Dusk Shine’s other senses finally came back to him, and he felt something sticky over his eyes. He reached up and pulled away a layer of icing. All around him, ponies were running away. Above him, the Anemoi’s eyes had returned to their blackened state and were circling the room, their assorted winds blowing the ponies over. He turned back to the stage just in time to see the elephant sculpture rock back and forth before it finally fell to the ground and shattered into a million pieces. The shock caused the statues next to it to fall, and Dusk Shine leaped back as a piece of deer antler slid across the room. He looked around the stage for Bluebelle, but couldn’t find her.
“Why are they doing this?” A guard shouted.
“They were shocked!” He heard Princess Luna yell. “They've lost control. Where's Bluebelle? King Aeolus!”
“I’ve got this!” Aeolus shouted. Dusk Shine could see him reach under his robes and pull out a bag. He stretched the bag open as far as he could. He could hear the sound of howling winds all around him, but when he looked up, he saw the Anemoi begin to shrink into smaller circles and then flow into the bag. He watched as Aeolus closed the bag and turned back to the princesses. When they began to fly into the crowd to settle the ones who hadn’t been able to escape down, Dusk Shine galloped to the stage and stopped.
In the middle of the stage, just behind where the cake once sat, he saw a small pile of icing on the floor. He rushed to it and began scraping it away, sending pieces of icing flying into the air. As soon as he felt fur, he pulled Bluebelle out of the pile and held her next to his barrel. As her body trembled against his, he felt something brush against his leg. He looked down and saw that a small, bruised rose had fallen out of a pouch on the side of her dress. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the guards start to surround him. He simply held her closer and whispered into her ear over and over again. In the midst of the chaos, he was the only one who could hear her as she sobbed quietly into his sash.
Butterscotch sat in the middle of the Royal Garden and looked around. Even in the darkness, he could see pairs of eyes in the hollows of trees. He cleared his throat and looked calmly ahead. He knew that he had only one more chance to get this right, and he intended to make the most of it.
Hello little... garden critters I have missed you all so dear. Like you, wallaroo. And you, toucans too. Though last time I was here
I had acted... possessively. No ill will was meant, you see. The traps, nets, and such True, were a bit much Sorry, spider monkey.
Butterscotch lifted his hoof and showed them a pile of treats.
I brought you snacks... from the castle I'll just set them all right here. So what do you say? You squirrels and jays? Can't you... just let me near?
A tiny squirrel appeared from the branch above Butterscotch's head. The pegasus tried to contain his squeal of excitement as the rodent began to pick at the small cupcakes. He was soon joined by a tiny meadowlark and he gasped. The animals took a hesitant bite, and Butterscotch's eyes widened to the size of saucers and glistened in the moonlight as they waved over the rest of the critters. He raised his hooves to his mouth to hide the smile that beamed on his face. A pair of toucans picked off the cherries that sat on top of the cupcakes. They smiled at Butterscotch as they ate the tasty treat and flew around him. As he danced in small circles, he was joined by a flamingo, who leaned forward and bent her neck towards him to bow. Above him, a loon flew in circles to match his dancing.
Little critters... I’m so happy That you want to be my friends. And if ponies could Be like you I would Have love that never ends.
Other ponies... do not notice But I’ll always remember you bitterns, buzzards loons, bears, and hummingbirds I will keep you right here.
Butterscotch placed both of his hooves over his barrel and watched as the group of animals finished off the cupcakes. His ears twitched at the sound of hooves behind him and he watched as the animals looked at the approaching figure and then scamper off into the darkness again. He turned around and saw Elusive.
“There you are, Butterscotch.” He said. “I’ve been looking for you. Did you have better luck with the animals?”
Butterscotch turned back to the trees and saw a squirrel waving at him. “Yes, I did.”
“Well, darling, it’s time to come inside.” Elusive pressed up against Butterscotch. “We wouldn’t want you missing the rest of the party now, would we?”
“No, I suppose not.” He replied.
“Shall we?”
Elusive trotted towards the staircase that led back into the castle. Butterscotch followed close behind, but when he reached the entrance, he turned once more to the garden and waved at the animals. He sighed as the assorted wings, paws, and claws disappeared, turned back to Elusive, smiled, and continued following him into the castle.
Bluebelle stood at the top of a cliff. The white castle of King Aeolus glistened in the distance. A gust of wind played with her hair, causing it to curl around her horn.
“Bluebelle, get back here!”
She turned towards the sound of the voice. “Coming, daddy.”
The ground shook. She instinctively froze at the sound of something shrieking behind her. She saw her father’s horn glow and her mother’s wings unfurl, and then something slimy wrapped around her leg. Bluebelle was hurled straight up into the air. All she saw was the sky. Her body turned, and as she fell she saw it. Three petal-like lips opened to reveal a trio of black serpentine tongues and a series of jagged yellow teeth.
“Daddy!”
She screamed, but by the next moment the tongues had wrapped around her body. Her world went black. The only thing she could feel was a thick stickiness covering her body. She tried to move, but nothing she did could free her from the creature’s grasp.
Bluebelle didn’t know for how long she was in the darkness. She heard the sound of her father’s magic blast just beneath her, and then another shriek from the monster that was about to devour her. Still wrapped in the sticky darkness, she felt herself fall once again. She heard a thud as body hit body and finally, the sound of shrieking growing faint.
The tongues slowly slid off of her, and she could finally see again. As she looked down, she saw that the creature’s tongues had been blasted off. She ran to the edge of the cliff, where she found a few of her mother’s feathers. She looked over the edge and was able to make out the shape of the creature’s body as it lay splayed out against the desert rocks. She looked and looked, until finally, she watched in horror as the dead monster’s curled up tail slowly unwound, revealing the forms of her parents in its grasp.
Sand particles clung to her fur. She reached up to brush it off, but the stickiness still remained. She used her hooves to brush harder and harder.
“Bluebelle.”
She looked around. “Mommy?”
“Bluebelle.” She searched for the source of the sound and continued to brush against her fur. No matter how hard she tried, however, nothing would remove itself. “Bluebelle.”
*****
“Bluebelle, stop!”
She jolted upright and looked around the room, where her eyes immediately met the bright light that reflected off of the walls. As her eyes adjusted, she saw Luna standing before her with a bath sponge floating in her aural grasp. She felt something burn her skin and looked down. The water around her was starting to turn pink. The burning feeling came from her foreleg, and when she lifted it out of the water, she could see where a patch of fur right at her hoof had been scrubbed off, causing a small stream of blood to flow into the bathtub.
Bluebelle jumped when she felt something drape over her withers, but calmed down when she realized that it was only her aunt’s leg. As she continued to stare down at her own hoof, she felt another burning sensation, this time around her eyes. The world around her bent and contorted as the tears started to flow. Next to her, Luna could only hold her and whisper into her ear.
“Shh, everything’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“W-who…” Bluebelle shivered but tried to will herself to stop. “Do w-we know… Do we know w-what happened?” She felt her aunt’s grip tighten for a split second, but when she looked up, Luna had conveniently turned her gaze away. “Aun… Auntie?”
“Shh.” She heard Luna reply a little too calmly. “We will find the pony that did this. Once we do, we will go from there. All right?” Bluebelle kept her gaze upward on her as she finally looked back down. “All right?”
For a moment, she could see something in Luna’s eyes, but for the first time, she couldn’t tell what it was. The expression was too soft to be anger, but too harsh to be sadness. Then she realized what those eyes were telling her. Guilt, Bluebelle thought, Aunt Luna feels guilty.
“Auntie?” She felt the foreleg let go of her as she finally started to calm down. “What’s wrong?”
“Bluebelle, you need to rest.” She said as she stood up and levitated a towel to the side of the tub. “I will be sure to protect your dreams tonight.” Bluebelle watched as she trotted to the door and then stopped. “In the near future, you are going to have an important decision to make.” she shuffled in the tub, but Luna didn’t move from her spot. “No matter what you do, I and my sister shall support your decision.”
Before she could say anything more, Luna turned the corner and left the doorway to the bathroom so that Bluebelle could be alone. She tiptoed quietly through her suite and into The Wind Room, where Aeolus was crouched over a he transferred the last Anemoi into the crystal and set it on the podium. A tiny ping echoed through the room as he set it on the podium, and the two rulers remained still as the sound dissipated into nothingness.
“She hasn’t done that in years.” Aeolus said as he glanced over at her from the corner of his eye.
“Done what?” Aeolus looked over. Luna gasped upon realizing that she still held the blood-stained sponge in her magic. She closed her eyes and the implement evaporated into the aether. “A relapse is to be expected, under circumstances such as these.”
“Circumstances, Your Highness?” Aeolus replied as he stood up. At full height, he was even taller than her sister, and so the fact that another pony towered over her made Luna’s heart speed up for a moment. “Without proper control, the Anemoi can cause typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes - do you know how lucky we are that one of your subjects wasn’t blown clear across Canterlot?”
“King Aeolus, I assure you-”
“Do you realize what would have happened had there actually been a casualty because of these so-called circumstances?” Aeolus stomped forward until he was right in front of her.
“Your Highness, please, let us take this somewhere-”
“Who did this?” Aeolus said as he raised his voice, forcing Luna to wince and take a step back. “Who did this to her? I know you know.”
“This is a much more delicate situation than you think, Your Highness.”
“Who did it?” He stomped with enough force to crack the tile beneath him.
“One of the Elemental Bearers did this.” She replied, trying not to raise her voice too much. “Now you see why this is so delicate?”
“Really?” He scoffed. “As if being an Elemental Bearer held your sister back when you-”
Luna froze. She could feel the color drain from her face as the realization crossed Aeolus’ own. Behind her, she heard the sound of water as it rippled through the tub. She shook her head and walked slowly out of the room without a sound.
In the main room, Celestia and Dusk Shine sat at the couch, talking quietly amongst themselves. The moment she stepped into the room, however, their conversation ended. The two looked up at Luna and froze. She couldn’t keep the emotions off of her face; Dusk Shine looked back at her, confused, but Celestia’s eyes widened when she saw her sister. She immediately got up.
“Sister, what-”
Luna shook her head again and immediately made her way to the door, but was stopped by Aeolus.
“I am sorry. I should not have said that.” Though Luna’s gaze stayed fixed on the door handle, she could see Celestia’s muzzle turn down into a scowl from her periphery. “Princess Bluebelle is incredibly important to all of us.” All ponies remained still, the only movement in the room came from the two ethereal manes that swayed back and forth. “I am sorry.”
“Was what you said not true?” She asked, still unable to turn around and face the others.
“Sister.” Celestia said as she took a step near and reached out a hoof. “What did he-” Luna jerked away and pulled the door open, pausing just in time to see the look of hurt in her sister’s eyes. Dusk Shine, for his part, did his best to appear as small as possible. “Aeolus, what did you say to my sister?”
“Tia, please. He is correct. If we are to discuss this, let us do it out of Bluebelle’s earshot.” Celestia nodded, and moments later, they had been teleported to the Hall of History. Even though it was now late in the evening, the moonlight still shone through the stained glass windows and cast light along the floor. “Equestria had just been freed from Discord’s reign, and the tribes were finally beginning to return to some semblance of normalcy. And then I let my pride get in the way.” Luna hung her head down. The ponies heard a faint sniffle.
“After the Battle of Eternal Night,” Celestia continued where her sister left off. “The tribes were thrown back into disarray, as though Discord had never even left the throne.” Celestia paused for a moment to look at Aeolus, who looked on coldly. “The link to the elements being broken, I had no means to dissolve the left over chaos that had still taken hold in their hearts.”
“This is an interesting history lesson, Your Highnesses - one of which I am familiar with.” Aeolus interrupted. “But what does this have to do with justice for the Emissary of the Winds?”
“If anything happens to Elusive to sever him completely from the Element of Generosity, then our links to the other five elements disappear, as well.” Luna, Celestia, and Aeolus turned to Dusk Shine as he stared up at the window, as though they had been putting together a puzzle and he had found the final piece. “If they find out that the Elements of Harmony are no longer linked to anypony, then how long could it be before they turn back to their tribes once more?"
"Sister, didn't you mention a meeting with one of the Canterlot ponies yesterday and this morning in which this topic came up?”
“That’s what Fancy Pants meant when he wanted to get rid of the last traces of tribalism.” Celestia replied. “Maybe it wasn’t about unicorn attitudes towards the other tribes, but the other tribes’ attitudes towards unicorns.”
“What are you talking about?” It was now Dusk Shine’s turn to ask the question.
“Canterlot is a majority unicorn city." Luna added. "As you yourself have discovered, there are growing... communities... of ponies who don’t exactly have a high opinion when it comes to the overall worth of unicorns. All earth ponies see are conniving aristocrats. The pegasi and thestrals see only weakling ponies who can’t contribute anything to the surrounding environment.”
“But the unicorns are part of the cycle of life." He countered. "The earth ponies grow the food, the pegasi control the weather with thestrals to assist them at night, and the unicorns control… oh dear.”
“The Sun and Moon?”
“There has to be a solution to this!” Dusk Shine shouted. “All we have to do is get justice for Bluebelle, without anypony else knowing that this was the work of Elusive, while at the same time, making sure that whatever we do does not separate us from the Elements.” The two alicorns noticed that Dusk Shine’s eye began to twitch. “A punishment that only he and Bluebelle know about. We can say to the press that it was some sort of accident. Yeah, an accident, that way, we can-”
A pair of doors near Dusk Shine crashed open, and he yelped and dove behind a pillar. A familiar royal couple entered the hall and bowed. “Your Highnesses.” Shining Armor said. “Finally, we have been looking for you. We have a problem.”
“And that would be?” Celestia asked.
“The guards are amassing in the Grand Hall near the gates. For some reason, they have it in their heads that Elusive is responsible for the attacks.”
“Captain Emeritus Shining Armor, call them off, have them dispersed.”
“That’s the problem, Your Highness. They won’t listen.” Shining Armor fell onto his haunches. “They won’t listen to anything I say. It feels as though there is some spell.”
“Cadance, why don’t you cast one of your spells over their hearts?” Dusk Shine asked. “I’ve seen you do it before. You’ve been able to cast a spell on an entire empire.”
“You’re right, Dusk Shine.” She replied. “My magic is able to pierce through the fear in anypony’s heart.” She shook her head. “This is something different. It’s like trying to shoot through a combination of changeling goo and dark crystals.”
The ponies all charged back through the doors that Shining Armor and Cadance ran through moments ago. “It’s happening again.” Celestia said as the group ran to the front of the castle. “It’s a smaller scale, but it already feels the same. We have to make this stop before it gets worse.”
“How did they find out it was Elusive?” Dusk Shine asked.
“Wait…” Cadance asked. “So it’s true?”
“Now is not the time for a discussion.” Luna said. “How did they find out?”
“Apparently, some mare told one of the guards that she saw Elusive go into the kitchen just before the cake was rolled out and was talking about having work to do.”
“Who was the mare?” Aeolus asked.
“According to the description?” Shining Armor replied. “It sounds like it was your date, brother.” The rest of the group stopped when they heard the sound of hooves as they screeched on the floor. They turned around and saw that the one who stopped had been Dusk Shine. “Little brother?”
*****
Elusive walked down the corridor as quietly as possible. Just ahead of him was the Grand Hall. Even before he turned the corner, he heard the sound of hooves thundering through the room, accompanied by the sound of metal armor clashing together. He heard the sound of something snap behind him and instinctively ducked behind one of Luna’s banners, only to realize that he had been frightened by the sound of one of the torch fires. Still, he remained hidden beneath the relative safety of the banner and poked his head out of the other side to get a better look in the room ahead.
The exit was right in front of him. Of course, it was blocked by numerous guards, of which Elusive could immediately tell were divided into two groups. In the middle of the group stood the majority of the guards - earth pony guards lined up along the floor, and pegasi and thestrals hovered just above them. What made him curious, however, was the fact that the unicorn contingent stood closer to the exit. All of their eyes looked the same, and Elusive shuddered at the fact that they had the same look that a certain lavender alicorn had given him earlier that evening. He took one last look around the room and pulled his head back behind the banner.
I don’t get it, Elusive thought, everypony hates Bluebelle. She’s rude, stuck up, pretentious. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hooves and wings approaching and he pressed his body against the wall. The hoofsteps stopped, but the sound of beating wings continued.
“So I told the recruit, ‘every time there is an incident here, you can be assured that a unicorn is behind it’.” One of the guards said.
“I know. I joined the guard to protect The Royal Family and Equestria, not to listen to a bunch of horners complain about their so-called honor being tarnished by each other.” The other replied as the beating of wings slowed.
“Don’t let them hear you say that word - you know how much sensitivity training you’d have to go through if one of them overheard you.”
“As if they’d be able to take me any other way. The only reason they’re here is because of their horns. One misplaced axe swing in battle and they’d be useless.”
Elusive tried to listen in on the rest of the conversation, but when he looked out, he saw the silhouette of something floating down from the ceiling. As his gaze shifted upwards, he discovered that the thing that was floating down was a spider inching closer and closer to his snout. He looked over and saw that the two guards were still standing too close for him to move away.
“-need to be put in their place.”
“Look at them over there, keeping with their own kind.”
The spider continued to lower itself until it was just in front of him, and it took all of Elusive’s strength not to immediately scream and run back down the hall from which he came. For a moment, the spider’s eight eyes stared straight at Elusive, as though contemplating whether or not to finally land on him.
“-heard he did it because she didn’t go out with him.”
“Are we talking about the same Element Bearer? The one that looks like he’s a mare?”
Elusive squinted his eyes at the remark. Normally, this would have been accompanied by a self-righteous flick of his mane in their direction, but he was already occupied with the need to keep himself as still as possible. The spider in front of him finally continued its descent and landed on his snout, which is when he felt its legs tickle his nostrils. He tried to snort as quietly as possible.
“Did you hear that?” The spider continued to crawl along his snout. Elusive clenched his eyes shut and took a deep inhale. “It’s-”
“Achoo!”
The banner flew off of the wall and landed over the two guards, leaving Elusive standing in plain sight of the rest of the guards. The only ponies who moved were the ones currently trying to throw the banner of of them. Finally, a bat wing emerged from beneath the fabric, and then a head. His gaze was met with a cat-like eye and a fanged sneer.
“It’s him!”
All of the eyes turned to Elusive. He tried to back away but the wall stopped him. No, no, no, he thought. All of the eyes, no matter the shape or color, held the same gaze. They were supposed to laugh at her. Nopony likes her. Nopony likes her. All of the eyes were the same as Dusk Shine’s. Elusive closed his eyes to get rid of the sight, but all he could see were his as they bore into him when they stood in the ballroom. The ballroom… ballroom.
Elusive heard something crack. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in the room he had just visualized. Traces of moonlight seeped through the windows and cast his shadow against the wall. He looked around, but stopped when he felt his head swim as a result of the teleportation spell. The ballroom had now been cleared of party remnants; the only thing that remained were the now darkened lanterns that hung from the ceiling like dead stars. In front of him was the stage. The curtains ruffled for a moment and Elusive took a step back, ready to run.
“Well, well, well. I have to give you a hoof.” A voice came from behind the curtain. Elusive held his breath. He now stood in front of a familiar pony. “You do like to play the long game, don’t you?” Fleur De Lis asked as she trotted across the stage towards him. “You were right. I should have waited.” She looked around the room until her eyes stopped just above her. Her horn glowed, and the object she was focused on hovered down in front of her. Elusive turned away when he saw what it was. “Now how did this knife get all the way up there, I wonder? It must have been quite a sight to see.” She climbed down the steps with such each that is looked as though she were floating.
“They know it was me.” Elusive said as he turned to her. “You told them I did it.”
“Well I had to give credit where credit is due. And I must say that you have quite the bit of credit coming to you, don’t you?”
“Why are you still here?”
“Oh, I just had a hunch.” She walked slowly across the room, her eyes and the knife she held catching what little light managed to creep into the room. “There was something about the way you said that phrase, ‘just you wait’ that made me realize you were planning... something.” Elusive took another step back as Fleur De Lis continued to walk towards him. Her horn glowed again, and Elusive heard a crash behind him. He turned just as one of the lanterns shattered next to him. He yelped and leapt out of the way, only to find that another lantern had fallen on his other side.
“What are you doing?” He shouted.
“I may not be able to get my name in the papers as Prince Dusk Shine’s consort. I can, however, be the mare who helped capture the terrorist who attacked a member of the Royal Family.” A smile made its way onto Fleur De Lis’ muzzle . Her horn glowed again, and another lantern fell to the floor, grazing the side of his head. He galloped backwards but stumbled on pieces of glass that now littered the floor. His head burned, and when he reached up to touch his mane, he felt something sticky. He withdrew his hoof and looked at it. B-blood?
“Fleur, stop!” Elusive’s horn glowed, and he picked up the closest thing to him - a glass shard. “T-there has to be… be a way to undo, yes, undo, what has happened.”
“Of course there is.” Fleur De Lis continued to smile. “I take you to the Royal Guard. They banish you or send you to the moon or Tartarus. I become a hero.” Fleur De Lis’s gaze turned towards the windows for just a moment. Elusive realized that she was imagined everything in her mind. He looked up to the ceiling. “My final show will be more than just modeling lingerie for Hoity Toity.” She laughed. “They’ll be there for me.”
“As I if I would ever give you the satisfaction.” Fleur De Lis turned just in time to see Elusive’s horn stop glowing. He watched as the lanterns fell from the ceiling, crashing all around her and finally onto her head. He ran through the room and leaped onto the stage, separating the curtains just as he reached them so that he could run into the darkness. He stumbled around until he felt the wall. “What is happening here?” He asked himself. “What am I-aah!” He cried out as he fell through a trapdoor near the stage. The lever he had accidentally brushed up against moved back to its position, and the trapdoor closed once again.
*****
Dusk Shine reached the Grand hall before the others and stopped at the sound of a whistle. In the center of the room stood the captain. The rest of the guard stood at attention.
“Find him!” He commanded.
“Yes, sir!”
Dusk Shine tried to call out to the guards, but they either didn’t see him or, if they did, simply ignored him. The rest of his party arrived as the last of the guards disappeared behind the numerous halls. He turned around to face the group. “Look, Elusive couldn’t have gone that far. Even if he could teleport, he couldn’t go that far. He still has to be on the castle grounds.” He turned to Shining Armor. “Brother, take Cadance and King Aeolus to search the outside perimeter. Check the gardens and fan out to the gates. The three of us will search inside.”
Cadance cringed as a few of the guards began to yell, their voices echoing through the halls. “Let’s hope we find him before the guards. We have to get everypony into a situation where we can calm them down.”
“Dusk Shine, where are the rest of the Elements?” Celestia asked.
“I ran into Applejack and Rainbow Blitz.” Shining Armor answered for him. “They’re with the civilians, trying to calm them down.”
“I can only imagine that Butterscotch is in a catatonic state near them.” Dusk Shine closed his eyes and massaged his temples.
“And Bubble Berry is, of course, detained.”
“What!” Dusk Shine’s eyes shot open and his gaze fell onto his brother. “Why? This isn’t his fault.”
“The dungeon is one of the first places I went to in order to get some answers. He turned himself in.” Shining Armor said matter-of-factly. “I saw him literally knock down a guard just so he could get to a jail cell. After that, he just sort of sat there and poked his hoof on the floor.”
Dusk Shine growled. “There’s no time for this.” He took a deep breath. “Okay, change of plan. Cadance, go to the dungeon and please try to reason with him. Everypony else, move!”
As Aeolus, Shining Armor, and Cadance ran off, he felt a hoof on his chin. He looked up and saw Celestia with a faint frown on her muzzle. “We must hurry.” She said, and the three of them began to gallop through the central corridor.
I have never seen such fury in these ponies For now our words have fallen on deaf ears. So we can only pray to find him before they do so and make him pay. I fear
In the distance, they saw a pair of guards turn a corner. Their voices carried behind them.
This travesty! Travesty!
We must find Elusive.
Travesty! Travesty!
Dusk Shine search the wings Luna you scan the halls And I’ll inspect the towers. Find him before we’re too late!
This travesty! Travesty! All we seek is justice! Find him! Don’t let him escape!
Luna closed her eyes and teleported to another wing of the castle. She heard the sound of thestral and pegasi wings beating above her. Their shadows stretched across the dark walls that were lit by torches.
Something deep inside This darkness seems familiar It fills me with a terrifying dread. It’s empty and it’s cold. I’m fearing for his soul.
We must find where the coward fled! This travesty! Travesty! We must find Elusive. Travesty! Travesty!
Something isn’t right. But with all that I know The darkness pulls me closer. Find him before I’m too late.
This travesty! Travesty! Deal the consequences! Find him! Justice must not wait!
Travesty! Travesty! We must avenge Bluebelle! Travesty! Travesty!
This search does not bode well.
Travesty! Travesty! We must find Elusive! Find him! Punish his mistake!
Dusk Shine turned a corner and ran into a dead end. He concentrated and imagined himself closer to Celestia. He appeared a moment later near the steps leading down into the lower levels of the castle.
There’s nopony here.
“Celestia!” Dusk Shine waved from across the hall. A moment later, Luna teleported into the room.
The guards, they haven’t found him.
"Sister, any luck?” Luna asked as she landed next to the others. They heard the sound of guards approaching, the torch light causing their armored shadows to reach out ahead of them.
He shouldn’t have the right to even speak!
We have searched the wings and halls But he has yet to be found
Now we make him pay
Princess I can hear the sound
For his evil actions.
Of the guards. We cannot wait.
Now’s the time to prove we are not weak!
Darkness now is all around!
The three ran down the stairs.
Find Elusive!
Please don't let us be too late!
He must be brought to Justice, for this
Travesty! Travesty!
“Treason! Traitor!” A guard yelled.
“Find him!” Celestia shouted as she pointed towards another door.
Travesty! Travesty!
Where else could he have gone?
Now how dare he refer Himself a Friendship Bearer?
Find him before we’re too late!
We vow to sun and moon That we will find him soon Find him! Punish his
Even if we find him first What can he do to fix his
Mis… take!
Amidst their running, neither Dusk Shine nor Celestia noticed that Luna had stopped in her tracks and turned around. When they finally realized and started to look for her, they saw her floating off the ground and her eyes turning white.
“ENOUGH!”
Her royal voice pushed back the guards who were unlucky enough to have turned the corner and made it through the door into the corridor just as she grew tired of searching. Her horn glowed, and as the last guard was blown out of the way, she slammed the door shut. With the guard out of the way for now, Luna’s eyes finally returned to normal and she lowered back onto the ground. Unbeknownst to themselves, Dusk Shine and Celestia were holding their breath. Luna turned around, her barrel moved back and forth in heated breaths, but she finally calmed herself. She took a few steps forward, her eyes refusing to set at any point in the wall behind them. The two turned and saw three doors.
“His mind is drifting out of consciousness.” Luna said with her eyes closed. “And he is down one of these corridors.”
“Whoever finds him, we must immediately take him to the dungeon.” Celestia said as she faced the far right door. “We can deal with him there.”
Dusk Shine opened the door to the left and galloped through. Celestia opened the door to the right, lit her horn, and walked with a much calmer gait than her former student. Luna simply took a deep breath and opened the door with her magic. She walked slowly into the darkness, but her eyes started to glow white once more.
Elusive woke to the sound of water and the feeling of pain shooting up his side. Ugh, he thought, the floor is so cold. He scrunched his face tight and began to bring his hooves to his temples, but his eyes shot open when he heard the sound of chains scraping together. He looked down at his forelegs, where he saw that they were bound by cuffs. Instinctively, he got to his hooves and began to move, only to be stopped when the chains became taut. Elusive looked around from where he stood in the middle of the room and saw that he was surrounded by stone walls. In front of him were iron bars.
“Wha-what happened?” Elusive said, only to bring his hooves back to his head when the pain came back. He touched the tip of his horn, but cried out when he felt a magic inhibitor attached to his horn instead. “Is this the… dungeon?”
“Quiet!”
Elusive yelped when he heard the sound of a metal door slam against the wall. He tried to cast a magic shield, but the pain returned and he fell to the floor. When he opened his eyes, he saw the opened door at the end of the hall. Two silhouettes appeared in the doorway, their shadows stretched along the floor until they came to the edge of the cell. As they approached, Elusive finally could make out that they were thestrals by their leathery wings. One of the stallions stepped forward, reached into a saddlebag, and pulled out a scroll.
“Good, now that you’re awake, we can get this over with.” He unfurled the scroll and began to read out loud as the other stallion unlocked the door and began to pull on the chains. “Under the Order of The Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Elusive, son of Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flanks-”
“No…” Elusive said flatly as he struggled against the chains.
“Are charged with the following crimes against the crown: Conspiracy to cause harm to a member of the Royal Family, Conspiracy to cause a riot, Conspiracy to corrupt an Elemental Bearer-”
“It wasn’t like that!” Elusive interrupted again, only to feel a swift punch in his barrel.
“Corporal Keres, we are not to assault the prisoner.”
“He won’t shut up.” The stallion replied as he pulled harder on the chains. “I mean, he’s resisting.”
“Eluding Royal Guard officials, Assault on a Canterlot noble-”
“That was self defense!” Elusive shouted as he was dragged down the hall, stopping every few steps to catch his breath. “This is all... just being blown.... out of proportion!” He glanced to the side, where he saw a familiar pink stallion hiding in a corner of one of the cells, tapping a hoof on the floor. “Bubble Berry, please, come here and help me.” He pulled harder on the chains until he reached the cell bars. The hoof taps stopped. He gasped when he saw Bubble Berry turn around. His mane had deflated and his eyes held a murderous gaze.
“Get… away from me… Elusive.”
He loosened his grip on the bars at the sound of the pony saying his full name. As he felt himself being dragged on the floor, he struggled once more and turned to the guards. “For Celestia’s sake, it was just a cake!”
A moment later, he felt a pair of hooves gripping his legs. He turned back and saw Bubble Berry’s muzzle inches from his. He was so close that Elusive could see his own reflection in the pony’s eyes.
“Let go of the prisoner!” Corporal Keres shouted. He complied, and Elusive once again felt himself dragged away.
“We don’t deserve this!” Elusive shouted to the guards, pointing to himself and Bubble Berry. As they reached the doorway, the bright light blinded him.
“Release him. He is already in our custody.” Elusive knew that voice. He cringed as he opened his eyes to see Dusk Shine standing in front of him. The sound of shackles being undone echoed through the room. Elusive watched as he looked him over and stopped when he saw the newly formed bruise. “One of you two hit him?” He asked as he looked at the two guards.
“He was resisting, My Liege, and I-”
“I don’t care.” he replied cooly. “What he did was awful, but that does not mean that we have to lower ourselves-”
“I’m still here, Dusk Shine.” Elusive started to say but was stopped when he saw him glare in his direction.
“You will refer to me by my title, Elusive.” He winced at the tone and watched as Dusk Shine levitated another scroll in front of him. On the scroll was the list of offenses. He felt something tap his shoulder and saw a quill levitated in his grasp. He turned to the guards. “Leave us.” The two guards nodded to him and then left the room. He turned back to him. “Just sign it, Elusive. Admit to what you did, and we can make this process much easier.”
Elusive shook his head. “The only thing of which I am guilty is getting back at somepony who humiliated me.” He stamped a hoof on the floor. “I had been building my brand in this city for years, and to have to start all over again because of her callousness.” He tossed his mane back. “What about me, Your Highness? What about all of the failed connections and the missed opportunities that I have suffered because of what she did to me?”
“You are still trying to convince yourself that you were wronged?” Dusk Shine asked. “We’ve already spoken to Bubble Berry. It was easy to piece together why you did it.”
“I simply do not know what you are talking about.” he answered. “I will admit that the prank may have been foalish, but I am not guilty of these charges that have been brought against me.” Dusk Shine turned away and shook his head, but Elusive leaned forward and waved a hoof at the scroll. “Come on, you know me. I would never have intended for anything like this to happen.”
“The law doesn’t care about what you intended, Elusive!” Dusk Shine shouted as his wings splayed out so hard that they frayed his jacket. “It only matters what happened.”
“So that’s it, then?” Elusive’s eyes darted around the room. “Because Bluebelle overreacted to a cake.” He glanced up at Dusk Shine’s crown. “What about the elements?” He sighed in relief as Dusk Shine’s eyes grew wide. “If I get punished, what disasters could befall on us? Surely, we can find a way out of this that won’t put all of Equestria at risk?”
Dusk Shine’s eyes darkened. “You mean for you to find a way out of this that won’t put you at risk?” Elusive looked down at the scroll and the quill that had fallen to the floor. A purple aura glowed around them, and they floated up to his head. “Just sign it. Accept what you have done. That’s all I ask.”
“I-” Elusive looked around again. If you sign it, you’ll be destroyed, he thought. He glanced at Dusk Shine’s now frazzled appearance and frayed jacket and took a deep breath. “I see there is nothing I can do. It has been years since I have signed anything by hoof.” He pointed to the small metal cone on his horn. “Could you be a dear and remove this for me? It will only take a moment.” Dusk Shine squinted at him and looked into his eyes. For a moment, Elusive was worried that his gamble wouldn’t work, but then he saw him lightly nod his head.
“I see.” was his only reply, and a moment later, he felt his horn freed.
“Thank you.” Elusive slowly levitated the quill with his own aura, keeping his concentration on the objects in front of him so that Dusk Shine wouldn’t notice his jacket becoming more frayed. “These charges are a bit harsh, don’t you think? Maybe we can discuss with the princesses about changing this to a vandalism charge or something.” He moved the threads of the jacket around Dusk Shine’s forelegs, but kept them loose enough so that he wouldn’t feel it. “After all, even if worse comes to worse, what would happen to poor Sweetie Belle if I were detained for an extended period?” He looked up and saw that Dusk Shine’s eyes had grown even angrier. “After all, what is a little sibling without their big brother?”
“Even now, Elusive?” he heard him ask. “You try to manipulate me into pitying you?”
Elusive drew the threads tight. “I shall not be punished for this. If I have to get to Bluebelle myself, this will be stopped!” He shoved him out of the way and made his way to the door. He heard the sound of Dusk Shine stumbling to the ground as he pushed the door open.
“Stop him!” Dusk Shine shouted. “We can’t let anypony else know what has happened!”
Elusive galloped into the hall and knocked over the two guards who were standing at the door. He closed his eyes and he teleported himself away. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a familiar hallway. A ray of moonlight caught his eye. When he craned his neck up to see the light, he saw a stained glass window and gasped. The eye of Nightmare Moon stared down at him. He looked down and saw the images of his friends, only to see that a part of it was broken, as though somepony had thrown a rock through it where his figure stood.
“There he is!” Elusive leaped and then turned around. In front of him stood Applejack, while Rainbow Blitz hovered just above him. “AJ, get your rope ready!”
“Sure thing, RD.”
Elusive held out his hooves. “Rainbow Blitz, Applejack, you have to listen to me!” He waved his hooves even as the two made their way towards him. “This is all a misunderstanding!”
“Are ya really gonna try lyin’ to me?”
“No, just listen to me, please.” Elusive begged. He saw the two look at each other and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the lasso lower to the ground. “I will tell you what happened, just let me explain why I did it. Please?”
“I hate it when he begs.” Rainbow Blitz spat out. “If he were a pegasus, he’d have been-”
“Let him talk, RD.”
“Ugh.” He crossed his hooves across his chest. “Fine.” He turned to Elusive. “Why’d you do it?”
Elusive set his hooves down and tried to think of where to begin. He opened his mouth to speak, but then paused. It was an eye for an eye. She got me covered in cake, and then I did the same. “You see, it was really a matter of doing to her what she did to me.” He saw Applejack raise an eyebrow. “You all remember the gala, right? How she put me in the way of your cake, Applejack? The one that Rainbow Blitz caused to fly through the air?”
“Ignorin’ what’s bein’ implied with that statement,” Applejack answered, “why do you think she did it?”
“Who knows?” Elusive said. “I was a perfect gentlecolt to her all evening.” He looked at both ponies and could tell that they weren’t buying it. He slumped his shoulders and lowered his head. “Fine. I was doing it to get her to model for my clothing, all right?”
“Ya weren’t exactly subtle about how ya treated her, Elusive.”
“So let me get this straight.” Rainbow Blitz said as he flew over to Elusive. “You were using her and she saw through it. So you hold a grudge for how long? And what about Bubble Berry, huh? How do you think he feels?”
Elusive took a step back. “I saw him, Rainbow Blitz. I… I…”
“You’ve been letting this grudge take over you for all this time. And you didn’t care who it hurt, as long as you got your revenge. All you ever cared about was yourself. Element of Generosity my ass.”
“Rainbow.” Applejack shouted as he trotted up to them. he turned back to Elusive. “Elusive, just answer me this.”
“Yes?”
“You wanted Her Highness to model the clothes to build business. Is that why you made our fancy get ups, too?”
“How could you even ask that? I would never-” Elusive stopped as his memories turned to that day. Oh, it'll be a little bit of work, but it will be a wonderful boost for my business. “What I mean to say is…” It will be a wonderful boost for my business. He heard Applejack sigh.
“Ah thought so.”
“Can we take him, now, AJ? I bet the princess already has somepony in mind for a replacement.”
Elusive jumped back. “No!” He felt his horn light up. “I AM the Element of Generosity! I don’t care what you think, I will show you that everything has been misconstrued!”
“You need to give up, Elusive.”
“Ah don’t need to be the Element of Honesty to see that you are lyin’ to yourself.”
Elusive shuddered as his horn continued to glow. A moment later, he heard the sound of glass shattering. He looked up to see shards of the stained glass window falling to the ground. When he saw the other two stallions leap back, he began to gallop away. He heard the sound of yelling, hooves thundering, and wings flapping. Ahead of him was a large door. His aura surrounded it, and it flung open. The moment he was through, he slammed the door shut and locked it. He could hear them talking to each other on the other side, followed by the sound of hoofsteps fading away.
The sound of sobs echoed behind Elusive, and he looked around and saw that he was in another ballroom. Mirrors lined one side all the way down to the door at the other end, while the other side held windows that overlooked the gardens. In the distance, he could see a figure huddled in the corner, but it was too dark to see clearly. As he walked slowly down the room, the figure became more clear. His eyes widened when he saw a mess of pink mane and tail surrounding a small, yellow frame. As he drew closer, he could finally start to hear the words being choked out between the sobs.
“You’re so stupid.” Butterscotch said as he looked into the mirror. “That’s why everypony walks over you. You’re so stupid that you couldn’t even see it.” A small, high-pitched whimper echoed through the room, and Elusive edged closer. He was close enough to see the tears forming. Before he could reach him, he saw Butterscotch’s eyes open and watched as he gazed angrily at his own reflection. The words he spoke next sent a chill up Elusive’s spine.
“I… hate you.”
As the sobbing started again, Elusive covered his muzzle and choked back a sob of his own. He managed to close the final gap between the two of them, but when he reached Butterscotch, he simply jerked his head up to him.
“What are you doing here?” Butterscotch asked as he backed away.
“Butterscotch, please, I-”
“Go away!” Butterscotch turned and galloped to the other door.
‘Wait, Butterscotch. Wait!” He saw his hoof come to rest on the door. Elusive stopped a few feets away from him and waited as Butterscotch turned slightly towards him. He watched as his mane fell down enough to cover his eye, but even in the dimness that surrounded the two of them, Elusive could still see the light in his eyes reflecting off of the moonlight that came through the windows. “Please, Butterscotch.” He trembled. “I… I can’t lose you, too.” He took another step forward, only to see him press closer against the door.
“All of the times you were nice to me, I thought-” Butterscotch cut himself off. “All that time, I thought you-” he shook his head. “I was so blind.”
“No, darling, don’t-”
“Don’t call me that!” Elusive jumped back at the timid pony’s sudden aggressiveness. He opened the door behind him. “Don’t call me that ever again!”
Before he could say anything, Butterscotch ran out the door and slammed it shut behind him. Elusive felt his eyes burning. He turned to the mirror next to him, but everything had become a blur. He wiped his eyes and continued to stare into the mirror.
Elusive now, what have you done How could you be so blind Reflections of this stallion I want to run From what it is I find
Elusive looked around at the reflections, only to see his own gaze staring back at him. He closed his eyes and turned away.
But now I see, it’s only me Who made these thoughts come true If everypony could see What’s become of me I know not what to do
He reached out to one of the mirrors, only to see it crack the moment his hoof touched it.
How can I escape?
More cracks appeared in the mirror. Elusive turned around, only to see that the other mirrors had begun to crack, as well. What’s going on, he thought.
Or am I too late?
He flinched the moment the mirrors shattered. As the glass fell to the floor, he gasped when he saw nothing but blackness behind them.
If only I could find a way to make things right
A figure appeared from behind the mirror he had been looking into. Elusive could tell that it was his reflection, but something was off about it.
Elusive what do you think you could possibly do I have seen the dreams you always dream You can’t simply lie and say, you simply didn’t know that this fate of yours was unforeseen
The two stood muzzle to muzzle.
I did not mean for this nightmare to happen I know I can make it right, I swear
Your friends have left you, for you let this happen And I know what it is that you fear
My only fear is that I was mistaken My only fear is that you appeared All that I know is that you must disappear
Elusive’s reflection smiled, revealing a row of pointed fangs.
Stupid colt, can you not tell just who it is I am? Look into my eyes so you can see So much hatred deep within you, now we become one Thanks for giving yourself up to me
Elusive stared into the creature’s cat-like eyes and backed away. He knew that face - it was the same face he had seen on Nightmare Moon.
You cannot take me, I shall not allow you An Element still resides in me
That thing is useless! Your friends disavow you All that resides in you shall only be me
I will banish you! You shall never take me You’ll be destroyed of this I am sure Our powers shall stop you like they did before
Nightmare began to laugh as he lashed out and snatched Elusive into his grasp.
You can’t deny it forever
“No!” Elusive shouted as he tried to release himself from Nightmare’s grip to run away.
You can run but you cannot hide
“No!” He continued as a bright purple aura surrounded him.
Now our fates shall never be severed It’s too late now, you’ll never escape from Your hate inside
Elusive felt Nightmare’s hooves melt into his fur.
Leave me be I know that I Can make it right
It’s too late Can’t you see?
My friends will destroy you
“Who’d want to be friends with you?” Nightmare whispered as he held him close. Elusive’s vision became blurry again as the sting of tears grew in his eyes.
I’ll stay strong! Wait and see
You’re too late! You are me!
You won’t get in
Let the nightmare begin
“No!” Elusive screamed. “Never!” He winced as Nightmare seeped further inside of him.
“Yes…” Nightmare turned into a cloud of mist. “Forever…” He disappeared.
Let me go, Nightmare I shall fight you as long as I live
You still don’t get it, Elusive.
Everything inside burned. Elusive started to scream as he felt the immense heat reach up his neck and down his spine, through his limbs, and into his chest. As he fell to the ground, he saw pieces of his reflection in the mirror shards. He watched as his own eyes developed a cat-like appearance and his teeth elongated into fangs. In the distance, he heard a door slam against a wall. His vision tunneled, but he could still see the hooves running towards him. And then everything went black.
*****
Drip… drip drip… drip… drip drip.
Elusive awoke with a start. Ugh, he thought, the floor is so cold… wait. He looked around and saw that he was surrounded by stone walls once again. He moved his hooves slowly, only to hear the sound of chains. He shivered and looked away, only to see iron bars. I’m… in the dungeon… again? He shook his head in confusion and raised his shackled hooves to his head. Hoofcuffs… yes… magic inhibitor… yes. He looked through the bars into the darkness to see if Bubble Berry was still in the nearby cell, but he couldn’t see anything. Was it all a nightmare? Elusive looked towards the doors expectantly, awaiting the arrival of guards.
hello friend…
Elusive screamed and backed away as far as he could, but the chains kept him near the middle of the room.
“Who-who’s there?” He shouted.
“Quiet!”
The door slammed open, casting a rectangle of light on the floor. Two silhouettes appeared in the doorway, but even from the distance, Elusive could see horns on top of their heads.
Have you forgotten about me so soon?
The hoofsteps drew nearer, and Elusive began to quiver as his gaze moved along the floor to the front of the cell. I don’t understand, he thought, it was just a nightmare. He looked at the two guards, whose expressions remained neutral. The click of the lock echoed through the room, and the guards entered the cell, all the while Elusive’s mind turned to the dream. You’ve destroyed Bubble Berry, he thought, not to mention ruined your friendships. You can’t even begin to comprehend what you’ve done to Butterscotch.
Aren’t you forgetting something?
“Step forward.” Elusive heard the command and slowly nodded his head as he got to his hooves once more. One of the guard’s horns started to glow, and a scroll appeared. “Under the Order of The Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Elusive, son of Cookie Crumbles and Hondo Flanks…” Elusive nodded dumbly as the charges he had heard only moments ago were read aloud.
This can be fixed, you know…
“What?” he asked, only to receive a stern look from one of the guards.
“Eluding Royal Guard officials,” the guard continued, “assault on a Canterlot noble...”
I need you, Elusive… and you need me, too… there’s nopony else to protect you but me… I can make them forget, Elusive…
He felt a familiar tug on his hooves and saw that the other guard was pulling on the chains. His pulse quickened and his breathing hitched for a moment, but he complied. As he passed a nearby cell, he saw Bubble Berry sitting in a corner, poking his hoof on the floor.
Everything that you have done… I can take it all away… it will be like it never happened.
“Shut up!” Elusive shouted as he held his hooves to his ears to drown out the noise. He felt a hoof slam against his barrel and he fell to the floor once more. “Aah!”
Just let us finish what we started… what YOU started… you’ll still have your revenge… and nopony shall be the wiser…
“Bubble Berry, listen!” Elusive begged as he ignored the pain in his head and the rest of his body and pulled himself to the bars of Bubble Berry’s cell. “None of this was your fault, do you hear me?” He struggled as his body was surrounded in the guards’ auras. He smiled weakly when he saw the stallion turn towards him. “It was me, it was all me! I’m the one who convinced you to replace the frosting! I was the one. I used you! You did nothing wrong!”
Elusive’s hooves were wrested from the bars and he felt his body being dragged along the stone floor. He cried out, not because of the pain in his body, but because he watched as Bubble Berry simply turned away once more. At that moment, he stopped resisting and simply let the harsh surface drag against his fur. He felt it scratch along his barrel, his chest, and his chin that now hung limply on the stones.
I can make all of the pain go away… I can take away your friend’s pain.
But I will still know, he thought, knowing by now that speaking out loud would do nothing to help his case and would, in fact, make the ponies around him question his mental state even further. The burning in his body returned; it was the feeling of another body inside of him, struggling against his bones, tearing through his muscles.
I said I can make all of the pain go away, Elusive... all of your friends’ pain… and yours, as well.
“Release him. He is already in our custody.” By this time, Elusive had finally been dragged out of the dungeon and into a waiting room. He looked behind him, only to see the others standing on the other side. As he struggled to balance himself, he noticed that Dusk Shine had approached him and was inspecting his barrel. “One of you two hit him?”
“It was my fault, My Liege.” Elusive blurted before the guard could respond. He ignored the confused expression the guards gave him, but instead focused only on the grounds in front of Dusk Shine. “I struggled. I am certain that my actions caused them to believe that I was a threat.”
“Look at me, Elusive.” He simply turned his head further downward, but then saw Dusk Shine’s purple aura surround him. “I said, look at me.” His gaze moved upward and he found himself staring into the prince’s eyes. “The list of charges has been read. Do you challenge them?” The scroll appeared by his side, alongside a quill. Elusive shook his head. “Very well, then.”
Look at you, Elusive… your fur is matted and your mane is horrendous… you look like some common harlot… do you like it? You do, don’t you?
Elusive ignored the voice and reached a hoof out to grab the quill. They weren’t very dextrous from the years of simply using his magic for fine motor skills, but that didn’t stop him from signing his name at the bottom of the scroll. When he finished, both items disappeared. From behind the others, Princess Luna took a step forward.
“I sensed a familiar entity around you when I found you, Elusive, but I can no longer sense it in the castle. I trust you understand of what it is I speak?”
“I do, Your Highness.”
Princess Luna nodded. “Good.” Her horn glowed, and a box appeared next to her. His elemental necklace appeared, and it hovered inches from his muzzle. “I would suggest putting this on, so that you can be fully cleansed of what has happened.”
Yes… take the necklace… take it… I can make all of the pain go away… I can make things as they should be… I can make things right… You don’t have to do anything, Elusive… just take it!
Elusive slowly reached out a hoof. All I have to do is take it, he thought, it is being offered to me freely. His eyes filled with the glow of the purple gemstone. It filled his vision. Everything else in the room seemed to shimmer in and out of existence.
I don’t deserve it.
DO IT, ELUSIVE!
“No!” He shouted and stamped his hoof to the floor. Princess Luna jumped back, but the guards and the stallions leaped forward, grimacing at him. He sat on his haunches and turned away from the necklace. “The truth, Your Highness, is that you were, indeed, too late. Even now, I can hear Nightmare in my head. I feel him inside me. He tells me that all I must do is take what you are offering me and that everything will be fine.”
Sighing, Elusive turned to Applejack. “But that is a lie. I cannot simply take something that I now know in my heart I do not deserve.” His eyes watered and he felt his muzzle become wet with tears. He looked over to Butterscotch. His body was pressed tightly against Applejack’s side, who responded by rubbing a hoof up and down his back. “I am truly sorry.” He heard Rainbow Blitz scoff. “And I know that I have no right to expect you to believe that, nor anything else that I say.”
What are you doing, you idiot? Take the necklace! TAKE IT!
Elusive held his hooves to his head, only to feel another set of hooves stop him. He looked up and saw Princess Luna staring down at him.
“You do realize what this means, do you not?” She asked. “What is inside of you cannot be cleansed overnight. Where we send you, you cannot return from on your own. You will have to wait.” She raised a hoof to the others. “When you return, all that you see will have been taken away from you.”
Elusive let forth a cry. “Your Highness,” he sniffled, “They have already been taken away from me. I have nopony but myself to blame.” He watched as the necklace disappeared. Princess Luna’s eyes turned white, and she began to hover in midair. A white light burst forth and shone around Elusive. He watched as everything began to melt away.
Just you wait, Elusive… now, it is just you and me… I will stay right here… I will always be here… I will make you go crazy… I will never stop… You will be mine.
Elusive closed his eyes. “I deserve it.” he replied as everything went black.
*****
Drip drip… drip… drip drip… drip.
Elusive opened his eyes, only to see that he was on a stone floor. He immediately jumped up. “No!” He cried. “Please, just make this nightmare end! Help me!” He cradled himself in his hooves and started rocking back and forth. “Please… somepony… anypony…” There was a sudden noise and he jerked his head towards a door as it opened and a certain blue alicorn walked in. “Princess Luna?”
She made her way over to him, but he turned his gaze away. He felt a hoof touch his chin and gently nudge his head up. Her smile was serene, but her gaze was stoic, as though she didn’t see anything, but rather her smile told her everything that was around her.
“You were finally able to open the door.” she said.
“What?” he asked. “What do you mean?”
“I will admit that when I first came down here, I wanted nothing more than to throw you into the dungeons.” Princess Luna looked around the room. “But Nightmare was here, I know that energy intimately.”
“No, Your Highness.” Elusive fell to her hooves and grabbed onto them. “He’s in me, I hear him. You have to send me away, you have to-” Elusive felt a hoof on his head again, and he looked up.
“No, he is not.” She replied. “He is gone. Though I will admit you were dangerously close to succumbing to his influence. But you did fight him off, in the end.” She sighed and looked away. “At least you can say that for yourself.”
“Your Highness?” He saw her point above him.
“You fell down from an area backstage. The fall rendered you unconscious. You were open to his influence, but your fall fully opened your mind up to him.” She pointed towards the door. “I can fight him in my ponies’ dreams, but the hold he had on you rendered me incapable of coming to your aid. How did you do it?”
Elusive looked at his hooves and rubbed his forelegs as he remembered the feeling of shackles. He thought of the way the others looked at him during the dream. “I didn’t do anything, Your Highness.” He felt himself pressed against Princess Luna’s side, and the tears started to fall again. “I-I didn’t do anything.” He stammered. “All I’ve d-done is hurt everypony.”
“Elusive, you are not the only pony to whom this has happened.”
“Your Highness,” he sniffed, “I remember the… unfortunate… circumstance surrounding our first encounter.” he looked up to her. “So that’s it? Because Nightmare had a role in this, you’re going to forgive me?”
“That is not my call to make.” she answered. “Whether or not you can do anything to make the others forgive you is solely their prerogative. However, knowing these events, I will tell them what I have found, as well.”
“No.” Elusive answered with such power that Princess Luna was shocked. He got up and began to pace around the room. “I am not going to believe that this was all some outside force. I let it in. I could have stopped at any time, but I didn’t. I see that now. I have nopony to blame but myself. And all for what? To be famous?” He laughed to himself. “I bet if you all had a choice, you would have chosen another pony to represent generosity.” He continued around the room until he ran up against Princess Luna, who had moved to stand in his way.
“Though your intention to accept responsibility now is a positive development,” she said, “I am afraid that does not change what has been done.” Princess Luna sighed and made her way to the door. “The party, the guests, the relations with King Aeolus - Elusive, everything that you have done, even if the only ones in Equestria who know about your role in this are confined to the castle, barring your ability to turn back time, seeking forgiveness may be out of your grasp for now.”
Elusive appeared beside Princess Luna next to the door. “I’m sorry, but could you repeat that last part?”
“I said, even if the only ones in Equestria who know about your role in this are confined to the castle, barring your ability to turn back time, seeking forgiveness may be out of your grasp for now.”
“You’re right.” He smiled as images of the ballroom galloped through his thoughts. “I cannot turn back time. I cannot change what I have done. However, if you will give me the opportunity, I may be able to at least help the others move past this.”
Princess Luna watched as he walked through the doorway and into the hall. “Hmm.” she said to herself as she trotted close behind. “Well, I suppose that if I can be forgiven after trying to destroy my sister to stop the sun from ever rising over Equestria again, Elusive does have a chance.”
“What time is it?” Bluebelle asked as she stared ahead at the blank wall of her bedroom. She heard Luna shift on the chair that had been placed next to her, but didn’t move her eyes.
“It is nearing dawn.” Luna answered. “You were in there for a while. How do you feel?”
“I feel…” She continued to stare ahead. In the other room she heard the maid cleaning the bathtub and thought about how the water had turned pink. Looking down at her newly bandaged hoof, her mind wandered from the image of the tatzelwurm to that of the party. She shuddered as she remembered the sight of frosting flying in all directions and the sticky feeling as it landed on her fur. She closed her eyes. Other thoughts had been growing in her, as well. They were disparate, but she felt that they were beginning to form one thought.
Bluebelle finally turned to the princess. The chair she was seated in had been placed next to the bed while she was still in the tub. “I feel cleansed.” As their eyes met, she recalled what she had told her earlier that night. “Auntie, you said I have a choice to make. What did you mean?” She saw Luna shift in the chair once more. “I feel like everything that has happened, and I don’t mean just tonight, but everything from the planning with Dusk Shine to-”
“I said that whatever you decide, we will stand behind your decision.”
She turned once more to the wall ahead. She knew that there was something connecting all that had happened. It not only involved the party and the events leading up to it, but even beyond that. Hooves clicked on the tile, and the two turned to see the maid standing in the doorway with a small bucket of cleaning supplies.
“Thank you.” Bluebelle said.
The maid’s eyes widened for a moment before she regained her composure, and Bluebelle stifled a chuckle as the maid bowed slightly.
“You’re… welcome?” She answered as her eyes shifted to Princess Luna, who still sat next to Bluebelle. The maid backed away as Bluebelle rose from the bed. “I-I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to make it sound like that.”
“No, I understand. I know that cleaning my bathtub is not something you were expecting this evening. So I just wanted to say thank you.” She saw the maid relax as her shoulders lowered. Bluebelle hesitantly tapped her hoof on the floor and was relieved when she didn’t feel any pain, meaning that she hadn’t cut herself too deeply.
“It’s simply my job, Your Highness.”
Bluebelle walked to the vanity and opened a small box, revealing a pile of coins. She pulled out a gold piece and levitated it towards her. The maid slowly raised a hoof to it, but then shook her head. “I can’t take it.”
“What’s your name?” She asked.
“My name?” The maid responded with a tilt of her head. “It’s Lily Gild.”
“Lily Gild, will you please accept this? Not for just this. I know I haven’t been the easiest mare to deal with for the longest time.”
“Are you okay, Your Highness?”
Bluebelle opened her eyes and laughed at the face Lily Gild made. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just…” The words trailed away, and the two mares stood frozen with the gold coin floating in between them. “I know that I have a reputation amongst the staff here. I want you to have this so that you know that I’m trying to change. I… I want to be better. I want you to know that I want to be better.” Lily Gild started to speak as she reached out to grab the coin. “And please, Princess Bluebelle will be fine. Or just Bluebelle.”
Lily Gild dropped the coin into the bucket and turned back to her. “Just Bluebelle?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow.
“If you want, I can walk under a CID to show you that I’m not a changeling in disguise.”
The two mares froze once more. Bluebelle smiled at Lily Gild, and at that, the two started laughing. It started out small, but then the laughter grew until it echoed through the room. They laughed until tears started to fall from their eyes, as though they had finally released from themselves the years of pent up anxiety. The laughter finally died down as the two fell onto their haunches.
“Dior had said that you were acting strange yesterday when you and Prince Dusk Shine visited him in the kitchen.”
Bluebelle sat upright. “Oh?” she asked, unaware that both Lily Gild and Luna had noticed.
“Yes. So do we have the prince to thank for this change?” Bluebelle blushed. “Well then, Bluebelle, I guess he has worked his magic on you, too.” she heard the maid chuckle. “Never thought I’d see that.” she saw her pick up the bucket to leave, but as she began to walk away, Bluebelle stopped her.
“Would you mind terribly if I came with you?” Bluebelle asked. “I was hoping you had an idea what’s going on.” She she smile that had been on Lily Gild’s muzzle fall, replaced with a scowl. “It’s bad, isn’t it?”
Lily Gild looked over to Luna, who nodded her head. She sighed and crossed the room with Bluebelle next to her. The door to the hall opened and they all left without a word. They looked around to see if there were any other ponies nearby.
“They’re looking for Elusive as we speak.” she replied. “Another Element Bearer already turned himself in. We don’t know if any of the others were part of it.”
“Who was the other stallion?”
“Bubble Berry.”
“The Element of Laughter?” Bluebelle asked. “Isn’t he the one who likes to plan parties? From how Dusk Shine spoke of him, that doesn’t make sense.”
“I’m not surprised.” Lily Gild said. “Elusive is quite the charmer. Believe me, I know.” she stopped and sighed, reached into the bucket, and pulled the coin out. “I-I can’t take this.”
“Why not?” She asked. She turned to Luna, but she simply stood there with a blank expression on her face. “I promise, there are no strings attached. I just want to show…” Bluebelle hesitated, unsure of what it was exactly that she was trying to prove. The coin now levitated once more in midair, spin slowly in a circle, the aura of magic glistening off of it like the rays of the morning sun. “My gratitude.”
“I saw Elusive in the kitchen, Your Highnesses. I should have said something, but I didn’t.”
“You couldn’t have known what he was planning, Lily.” Bluebelle replied. The three mares stood still in the hallway, the only movement now came from the coin that still spun in circles.
“But if I had just told him that he wasn’t allowed in the kitchen, instead of letting him…” Lily Gild turned way. “If I had just done one thing different, all of this could have been avoided.”
“Well, if we’re going to do that, then we may as well keep following that line of logic. What if Dior had checked the cake sooner?” She began to pace back and forth, not realizing that the coin began to spin faster. “What if Bubble Berry hadn’t been gullible in the first place?”
“Bluebelle?” Luna asked but was unable to get her attention.
“There are so many things that anypony could have done differently, aren’t there?” I didn’t have to have this party. Dusk Shine didn’t have to help plan it.”
Lily Gild stepped away from Bluebelle and made her way to Luna, who used her wing to pull her closer. The princess continued to pace, however, and her magic focused onto the coin as it spun faster and faster until the light surrounding it seemed to catch fire.
‘And why stop there? I know why Elusive did this. This is all from that damnable gala. Couldn’t I have just told him that I knew what he was doing? Why did I let this community in Canterlot continue as it was? I knew it was wrong. I can keep going. This can all keep going. This can-”
Bluebelle saw a bright flash of light and turned just in time to see the beams of light come from the coin she still held in her magical grasp. She focused her energy and stopped the coin. She gasped as the light filled her eyes. A moment later, the sound of the coin hitting the tile filled the air. She watched it roll around in smaller and smaller circles until it finally fell on its side. A smile crept onto her face, and then a laugh escaped from her lips.
“I get it.” She turned to Lily Gild and pushed the coin in her direction. “Lily, please take it. If it makes you feel better, then I forgive you. I don’t think you are at fault. I don’t hold you responsible for anything. If you don’t mind, could you leave us?”
Lily stepped forward and picked up the coin. She gave a bow to the two of them and trotted away. A moment later, she felt Luna’s wing on her shoulder. She looked up and saw her confused face.
“Bluebelle, what’s going on?”
“It just kept spinning, auntie. It kept spinning until I made it stop. Somepony has to be the one to make it stop. We have to find Elusive.” She saw Luna’s eye twitch for a moment. “Auntie? Do you know where he is?”
Luna sighed. “I do.” She held up a hoof to Bluebelle. “And before you say anything, I need you to know that what you just did for Miss Gild and what you intend to do for Elusive are not one and the same. “ She held Bluebelle’s muzzle with her hooves. “Listen to me. Give him time. He still did something wrong. He needs this, just as much as you do.” She let go of her niece and they trotted to a door that led to a staircase. They descended, with Luna stopping every so often to turn around to look at Bluebelle.
“Forgiveness can be offered, but it can’t be forced.” She said as Luna turned around for the third time. “Little things, like not knowing somepony’s intentions in a kitchen, can be forgiven easily.” Luna nodded and they continued down. “But bigger things, like hurting somepony, one can offer forgiveness right away, but the pony who did wrong has to feel they deserve it first.” They reached the bottom of the stairs. In front of them stood a long hallway, at the end of which lay the door to the dungeon. The torchlights on the wall flickered, sending their shadows across the walls and along the floor. “Auntie, how long did it take you to forgive yourself?”
“I was forgiven by my sister the moment Nightmare Moon left me.” Luna answered.
“With all due respect, Auntie, I asked how long it took you to forgive yourself.”
Bluebelle saw Luna’s face darken. The two mares looked away from each other. “There are still nights when I look at the moon and shiver. That is why I want so much to have a resolution that restores Elusive. I’m afraid for him.” The mares looked at each other. “Bluebelle, you will learn that forgiving others can be simple. It is forgiving oneself that is the real challenge.” They reached the door and nodded to the two guards, who stared dumbly into the distance. Bluebelle waved a hoof in front of their muzzles, but they didn’t respond.
“Certain ponies are easily influenced by The Nightmare.” Luna said. “Even if they aren’t the intended target, they still succumb. Hopefully, they will be restored by daybreak.” She opened the door herself, and when they entered the room, she shut the door behind her. “We really need to better train our guards.”
“Your Highnesses!” Shining Armor called out as he galloped from the other side of the room. He bowed to both before standing up. “Thank Celestia you’re here. Please, help Cady.” He turned around and galloped back, the two close behind, until they reached Cadance, who sat on the floor, her horn flickering.
“I just don’t get it.” Cadance muttered. “I’ve tried the Spell of Sentiment, the Appeal of Affection, the Charm of the Cherished, but none of my magic is working.”
“Where are the others?” Luna asked.
“King Aeolus is returning the Anemoi to their crystals, and my brother is with Princess Celestia looking for… wait, weren’t you with them?”
“I had to check up on Bluebelle.” Bluebelle turned her head to the side and quirked an eyebrow so that only her aunt could see it.
“He’s not responding to any of my entreaties for love, friendship, or anything.”
“Maybe it isn’t love that he needs.” Bluebelle replied as she took a step forward. “May I?” She held out her hoof to open the door to the dungeon. All of the ponies nodded their heads, and Bluebelle entered.
Even in the darkness, she could see Bubble Berry huddled in the corner of a cell, a shock of pink amidst the grey. She moved quietly, not wanting him to see her and turn her away, until she finally reached the bars and tapped.
“Bubble Berry?” She saw his head shoot up so quickly that she instinctively jerked back and gasped. His bright blue eyes burned into hers, but beneath them, his fur was matted and wet. His straightened mane tumbled down his withers and dangled inches from the floor. She saw the recognition in his gaze, but he looked back down again. She heard him sniffling.
“I’m sorry.” his voice scratched out. “I’m so sorry.”
“Bubble Berry.” Bluebelle took a deep breath. She needed to ask the question correctly. She went through her thoughts, but then decided to be upfront about it. “Why did you do it?”
The sniffling stopped. “What?”
“Why did you do it?” Bluebelle sat down in front of the cell. “Why did you help Elusive make the cake?” She reached her hoof through the bars, but he didn’t move. When that didn’t work, she went to the door to open it, only to sigh when it opened effortlessly. It wasn’t even locked. Of course. She sat down in front of him. “Please, tell me.”
“Well,” Bubble Berry wiped his muzzle and continued to sniffle. “I just thought it would be funny.”
“And you weren’t upset at anypony?” she asked. “Were you upset that Dusk Shine didn’t ask for your help for the party?”
His head shot upward again. “Of course not. I could never be mad at Dusky. I should have known that you wouldn’t have wanted something stupid like that at the party.” He tried to pull away, but Bluebelle reached out to grab his hooves.
“Don’t do that.” She said. “From what Dusk Shine says about you, I know you couldn’t have meant to do it to be mean, okay?”
“But… I still hurt you.”
She pulled him close for a hug. “But look at how much you’re hurting yourself.” She felt his body tremble against hers. “Do you want to know a secret?”
Bubble Berry tried to speak through his cries. “Y-yes?”
“Everything that has happened - you, Dusk Shine, even Elusive - has taught me more about friendship than anything else in the rest of my life. Even when bad things like this happen, through friendship, you learn that it can be a gift in disguise.”
“Really?”
Bluebelle chuckled and looked into his eyes.
I used to think that Other ponies were Self-centered and Insecure But now I know that There’s much more to it They only seek Happiness
She stood up and brought Bubble Berry with her.
And now you fear That you did wrong I know you wanted Us to laugh along I want you to know I forgive you For now I know What this is
She backed out of the cell, still holding his hoof in hers.
It’s a gift in disguise Yes, a gift in disguise To get the chance Now to help ponies grow
This gift in disguise Though it is hard to see What this gift in disguise Can be
She opened the cell door and beckoned for him to follow her. As he started to walk, she noticed that his mane’s curls were returning.
Though sometimes our friendships Can be betrayed Hearts left broken And words left unsaid
And though it’s easy to Leave friends behind That’s when we get the chance to see
She waited for Bubble Berry to walk through the cell door, and together, they made their way through the dungeon.
It’s a gift in disguise Yes, a gift in disguise To help them grow From what they were before
She opened the door. Bubble Berry saw the Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor, and tried to turn around, but Bluebelle held him tight.
I know that it’s hard But just wait and see To learn to forgive Becomes easy Let that spark grow Inside
Bluebelle looked over to Luna, whose eyes were starting to glisten.
And we can make our world A better place Everypony deserves Forgiveness’ grace Let that spark grow Don’t hide It takes strength to see that it’s
She turned back to Bubble Berry.
A gift in disguise I see it’s a gift in disguise Everypony makes mistakes Sometimes within their lives
It’s a gift in disguise Though sometimes hard to see What this gift in disguise Can be
She reached forward and hugged Bubble Berry once more and laughed as more of his mane started curling upward.
You’ll see I forgive you Everypony makes mistakes We all make mistakes So please smile, Bubble Berry Take that burden you carry Try to see now what I see This gift in disguise
As the rest of his mane rose back into place, Bubble Berry’s ears flapped over his eyes.
“And what was that?” Bluebelle asked.
“Oh,” he rubbed his forehoof against his leg in embarrassment. “That just means that there’s a pony trying to get over their fears.”
She chuckled. “And is it working?”
“I-I’m not sure yet.” She reached forward to hug him again. “Okay… I think so.” As they got up to leave, his ears flapped again. “Oh wait a minute.”
“Yes?”
“My ears did the flappy flappy thing again.” They did it once more. “Hmm, I guess that means there are others trying to get over their fears, as well.”
Cadance and Shining Armor nodded and turned to leave, followed by Bubble Berry, leaving Luna and Bluebelle alone in the room for a moment. They looked at the pink stallion as he walked away, then to each other before they, too, left the room.
*****
Dusk Shine walked through the aisles of the library, his gait shifted forward, his eyes moved back and forth, searching, like a predator. He had searched all of the lower sections of the castle for Elusive and was now on the main floor, with the library being his first stop. His logic was that Elusive wouldn’t be so stupid as to run out into the middle of Canterlot after what he had just done. Then again did the ponies of Canterlot know that he was responsible, he thought, come to think of it, where have the guards gone? Everything has gotten quiet lately.
As the morning sun started to appear, the beams of light crept through the room until it finally reached a pedestal, and Dusk Shine turned his attention to the open book that rest upon it. He made his way to the open page and reread the words that he had been pouring over two days ago.
You, who take the moon’s soft glow and its world of shadow You, who take the sun’s colors into your eyes and make fire of orange. As you reap these labors of your love, I shall sow.
Dusk Shine took a seat on the pillow next to the pedestal, shook his head, and reached out a hoof to close the book, but before he did, the door opened behind him.
“Ah figured we’d find you here.”
He turned towards Applejack and saw that Rainbow Blitz was standing next to him. Smiles appeared, though not for long. He waited for them to approach, not wanting to move himself.
“How does it look outside?”
“They are all back home,” Rainbow Blitz replied, “the guards are another story.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ah can’t make heads or tails of it, either. They ain’t even at their posts. They’re all actin’ like they just woke up or somethin’.”
Dusk Shine rubbed his temples. “Okay, just tell me that somepony found Elusive.”
“Haven’t seen him,” Rainbow Blitz said, “probably hiding somewhere. Good thing, too. When I get my hooves on him.” He growled and stomped a hoof on the floor. “I just can’t believe he’d do something like this!”
“Calm down.” Dusk shine turned to Applejack. “Any word on Bluebelle?”
“Last Ah heard, she was in her room. Poor thing.” Applejack shook his head.
“At the very least, things appear to have returned to normal, although I do want to interrogate the guards.” Dusk Shine raised a hoof to his chin. “What happened can’t be normal.” He looked to the two stallions. “Did you guys feel anything strange last night?”
“Honestly? Ah felt somethin’ familiar. Now that Ah think about it, the way the guards were actin’ did seem a might peculiar. It was dark, like how it was in the Crystal Empire before we-”
“You’re right,” Dusk Shine interrupted him. The others paused as he shot out of his seat and started pacing next to the pedestal. “This goes beyond a grudge. This had to be something more. What it it was a spell… no, that’s not it. Discord? No, he’s reformed. What if-”
“What if Elusive was just being a jerk?”
Dusk Shine stopped pacing and turned to Rainbow Blitz, who sat on his haunches with the forelegs crossed.
“What?”
“You heard me. What if he just wanted revenge? This isn’t some grand scheme, ‘your highness’. It’s not like this is the first time you guys have done something stupid.”
“Now what’s that supposed to mean?” Applejack snorted.
“Remember when you wouldn’t let anypony help you out at the farm because of your pride?” He pointed to Dusk Shine. “I went crashing into Dusk Shine’s library. Ring a bell?”
“Ah yes, crash number four.”
“Don’t get me started, ‘Mister Want It Need It’.”
“Sugarcube, you best stop talkin’ before you say somethin’ y’all might regret later.”
“Enough!” Dusk Shine shouted to the two stallions who now stood muzzle to muzzle with their eyes glaring into each others. “This is not the time for this! We need to-”
He froze the moment his gaze turned to the open door. There stood Bluebelle, with the others behind her. One by one, they entered the room. The three stallions fell to their haunches in front of the pedestal as they each started to take a seat, forming a circle. In front Dusk Shine sat Bluebelle, with Luna and Celestia by her side. Shining Armor and Cadance took their seats, leaving Bubble Berry and Butterscotch to sit down next to Rainbow Blitz and Applejack. He saw Celestia turn to the open window and sigh.
“A new day.”
The way she had said it had all of the ponies looking towards one another. Bubble Berry’s ears flapped as Bluebelle cleared her throat.
“Dusk Shine, I need your help.”
He cocked his head to the side, but straightened back almost immediately. “Of course. Anything you ask, but don’t you want to discuss-”
“I will get to that,” She turned to Bubble Berry and sighed, “But first, I want you to help me get over my fear.”
“You mean your mysophobia?” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Rainbow Blitz facehoof and Applejack shake his head.
“Yes. Will you help me?”
“Of course. I’m just sorry that-”
Bluebelle held up her bandaged hoof. “That’s all I need.” She paused and took another breath before continuing. “I don’t forgive Elusive for what he did.”
At the sound of Elusive’s name, Dusk Shine saw Butterscotch’s gaze lower and his mane fell over his eyes. Applejack reached a hoof over his shoulders and pulled him into an embrace, resting his head on top of Butterscotch’s. Dusk Shine tried not to notice.
“That being said,” she continued, “I want to use what has happened to make things right. This isn’t just about him, and this isn’t just about me or us. I’m sure that you have seen what happened to the guards.” She pointed to the stallions in front of her. “Haven’t you noticed that every time something happens to you it slowly starts to affect the actions of those around you? And it’s not just you, but all of us. Everything that happens to us is connected, nothing in our lives exists in a vacuum. What Elusive did, even if misguided, he traces it back to my actions a long time ago.”
“Now, sugarcube, Ah-”
“I’m not justifying it,” Bluebelle cut him off, “All that I am saying is that when it comes to what we do in our lives, each thing that we do becomes a seed in the garden of our heart. We can nourish seeds that let flowers bloom, or we can cultivate weeds that choke them out. I have made my decision, Auntie.” As he saw her and Luna’s eyes meet, Dusk Shine held his breath. “When we find Elusive, he gets one chance. I can’t even begin to think of how he can fix this, but if Dusk Shine’s friendship has taught me anything, it’s that everypony deserves a chance.” Bluebelle stood up, followed by the rest. “I’ve spoken. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to speak to Dusk Shine privately, please.”
The other ponies nodded and made their way out the door. When they were alone, Dusk Shine stood in front of Bluebelle, only now seeing just how small she was. He looked into her icy blue eyes and instinctively reached out a hoof to touch her shoulder. He felt her lean into his hoof and push forward. They inched closer, until her muzzle came to a rest on his chest. He wrapped his foreleg around Bluebelle, and they stood there, not wanting to move.
“Thank you.” He whispered. He felt a hoof touch his side, and he shivered. Her hoof felt soft against his fur. “I’m sorry, Bluebelle, I’m so-”
He stopped when she squeezed his side.
“No.” She replied as she placed a hoof over his muzzle. “Don’t say it. You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should be thanking you. If it weren’t for you, none of this would have happened.”
“Exactly.” Dusk Shine answered. “None of this would have happened.” He sat down once more, and he felt Bluebelle sit down next to him.
“No.” She corrected. “I mean none of this would have happened. It’s hard to describe it, but I’ll try.” She paused. “All I saw was darkness, and then you made a light for me. Although I now can see the shadows, I see colors, too.”
Dusk Shine took a deep breath and held her closer. She felt warm next to him. The warmth grew from his chest and climbed up his neck to his face. He reached his other foreleg out and wrapped it around her. He rest his muzzle on top of Bluebelle’s head. “Now I know that without its brightness, there would be no colors to see. Everything around me, I see now all because of you."
The two remained there for a while. Dusk Shine felt her chest expand into his, and as he breathed in, he felt his press into hers. They closed their eyes, too focused on their thoughts to notice that the words in the book behind them had erased themselves, and new ones had started to appear.
There is still something off here, Princess Celestia thought as she felt around the throne room with her magic while she read the items from the morning docket. She suppressed a yawn and continued to send her magic through the room to determine exactly what it was that was wrong, but nothing definitive came through yet. It is familiar, I know that. As she ruffled through more of the papers, she came across one document that came from the Ministry of Finances that morning marked urgent. This one contained the original proposal for the Equestrian Network for the Eradication of Tribalism. At the bottom, much to her dismay, was a series of lines written in red ink.
Celestia glanced up from her paperwork at the stallion who now stood before her in the throne room and sighed before looking back down at the figures at the bottom line. She kept an even tone, but when she took a deep breath before starting, she could already see the stallion’s shoulders lower in defeat, as though he knew exactly what she was about to say.
“Mr. Fancy Pants, I understand the need for such an organization, truly, I do. The presentation you gave two days ago gives me no doubt that there still exists a certain… prejudice… regarding unicorns, especially in more rural areas of Equestria.” she reached up to rub her eyes and caught sight of her reflection in one of her shoes; the bags beneath her eyes were an obvious sign of her restless sleep, “had the Minister of Finances given final approval before the events of last night, I am certain that you would have your funding.”
“I understand, Your Highness.” Fancy Pants replied. She saw that he kept a straight posture, but even somepony as well-versed in composure as he couldn’t stop his ears from folding over the sides of his head. “I daresay that payments to the guests and dignitaries have taken a toll on the budget for the fiscal year.”
“I truly am sorry, Mr. Fancy Pants.”
Celestia stepped away from the throne and made her way down the steps. The nearby guards inched forward but then stopped themselves. She stopped in front of Fancy Pants and waited for him to lift back up from his bow. “Until then,” she said, “we must all do what we can to make others see us as we are. I will be keeping this proposal near when the current situation has resolved itself.” the two made their way to the doors and she used her magic to open them, but when he stopped, Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Was there something else you needed?”
“It’s just baffling to me how such a small mistake like using the wrong icing can cause so much damage?”
The door closed once more. “I’m sorry?” she asked.
“I’m sure that both you and I know how rumors spread quickly through Canterlot. The word on the street is that somepony mixed some ingredients meant for the Ministry of Culinary Arts with that of Tactical Cuisine.”
“We really need to streamline our government.” Celestia mused out loud.
“And that’s only one rumor. Another is that as ponies were running away, they swore there were monsters in the castle.”
Celestia went to speak, but then she felt something in her horn. She turned to a nearby guard and focused her magic. As she scanned him, she turned back to her subject. “Mr. Fancy Pants, please excuse me. I promise that I will do what I can to make this dream of yours a reality.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Celestia opened the door once more, and as soon as he left, she slammed it shut and turned to the guards in the room. Her eyes turned green, and dark purple mist flowed out of her eyes. The guards flinched at the sight. A moment later, her visage returned to normal. Even though the spell was over, she could still see small black bubbles as they rose from each of the guards’ heads.
“Guards, I need you to tell me what you remember about last night.”
“Your Highness?”
“Tell me what you remember.”
“Princess Bluebelle was attacked, Your Highness.” she could see the look of fear growing in the guard’s eyes.
She turned to the next one. “And you? Do you remember who the attacker was?”
“I…” The second guard stammered. “It was a unicorn, I’m sure of it.”
Celestia turned to the last guard. “Cancel everything on the docket. Gather the guards in the Main Hall.” Celestia’s horn began to light, “it is not as though we would be expecting many visitors after last night, anyhow.” She disappeared into a ball of light.
*****
Luna sat in the middle of the Rose Gazebo and watched as the flowers opened in the early morning light. Though it was early in the morning and just past the beginning of Spring, the air still felt warm and stale. The winds are not moving today, she thought, it makes sense.
A bright light appeared next to her, and she turned to see Celestia appear in a flurry of brightness. She could see the tired look in her sister’s eyes, but behind the tiredness, she could see a sense of panic.
“I take it you have seen what has been surrounding the guards.”
“Luna, please, don’t be cryptic with me. I need you to tell me, what is this?” Celestia paced back and forth, but Luna simply turned to a nearby guard.
“Please leave us.” Luna said. He left, and the two sisters stood alone in the garden for a moment, looking into each others’ eyes until she turned back to the rosebush next to the gazebo. “Is this feeling not familiar, sister? The feeling that there is something dark that hovers above the ponies? It confuses you, but I know exactly what it is.” She looked back up to her sister with a tear in her eye. Celestia took a hesitant step forward.
“This is all about Elusive, correct?”
“Indeed, it is. I-”
“You found him and you let him go, didn’t you?”
Luna opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, she kept her gaze on the roses in front of her. Her aura surrounded one of the roses until it was plucked from the stem and rose silently into the air. Celestia looked around and then took another step towards her.
Luna Speak your mind now, dear sister Tell me what thoughts went through you Why did you let him go Dearest sister If there is anything I must know Tell me how to see this through
“Harmony.” Luna said.
“Excuse me?”
“Harmony is trying to return to the ponies, sister. They’ll forget about the details, eventually. Just like the crystal ponies immediately forgot about Sombra once Princess Cadance returned.” she turned back to the rosebush. “Just like the ponies here forgot about me when I disappeared a thousand years ago. Do you know how easily they were able to forget me and let my story become an old mare’s tale?”
“Luna-” she tried to say, but Luna delicately shushed her.
“No, I get it.” she said, “ponies yearn for Harmony. Harmony will do anything that it can to ensure that our ponies live every day with as much peace in their hearts. Even if that means forgetting about me all those years ago.”
“We once wielded the Elements of Harmony, sister. But I know that even we could not control what Harmony herself does with our world.”
Luna’s eyes grew dark. “But know this. The Nightmare is not gone. Not completely. Not yet.” She looked on towards Canterlot.
Tia Everything that has happened Brings me back to mine memories Of the Nightmare within Though the darkness Retreats once more with each passing hour Still the traces here remain
Nightmare Touches lives of the ponies Like the shadow's caresses Poor Elusive gave in And his failure To stop it from appearing again It reminds me of mine own
Luna held her hoof up to a rose bush and tapped them.
See the dew on roses fall Harmony is weeping It stays saddened And mine own heart stays maddened With memories I am keeping
Tia I cannot let Elusive Suffer the way that I have If the chance to forgive Can be made now to make things right now must be mine vow For as long as I shall live
Celestia moved to place her hooves on Luna’s cheeks. They looked into each others’ eyes.
Sister tell me what I must do To release these shadows
Let the garden Of the heart now blossom
The bloom of forgiveness grows
She stepped back from Celestia’s embrace.
Trust him Let Elusive’s new actions Change the horrible Nightmare Into Harmony here If you trust him The way you learned to trust me again Look the Nightmare is no more
She pointed to the guard in the distance. Luna could see the dark bubbles dissipate into nothingness before her eyes. She heard Celestia gasp and knew that she, too, had seen the same. As the bubbles disappeared, they saw the light return to the guard’s eyes.
“Elusive has taken my words to heart.” she said, “Even now, his actions are forcing the Nightmare away.”
Celestia nuzzled her sister. “Very well, Luna. Bluebelle said she would give him a chance. To be honest, I am a little curious as to what those plans are.”
The two continued to watch as a smile began to form on the guard’s face, as though a great weight had just been lifted off of him and he could finally breathe. The guard returned to his post as the sisters sat at the gazebo and looked out to the cityscape. In the distance, they could see a mailpony flying towards the castle. They looked on in confusion as the nearby guards took their places near the sisters. Finally, one of the guards called out to him as he landed.
“State your business, citizen.”
The mailpony reached into his bag and pulled out two envelopes. He gave them to the guard, who levitated it from the pony’s grasp. After checking to make sure it was safe, he presented them to Celestia and Luna. Luna opened hers first, and as she read ahead, a small smirk appeared.
“Turning back time, indeed.” she gave her sister a knowing glance, “well, Tia, it seems that we have some preparations with which to assist.”
*****
The streets of Canterlot were already busy with the morning’s hustle and bustle as ponies walked up and down the thoroughfares, most heading off to work at a normal pace while others went about in full gallop. Every so often, however, ponies would look up to the castle and shake their heads. The reaction was always brief to the point that nopony discovered each other doing it, but one pony, in particular, did take notice.
Elusive stood in front of an empty storefront and gazed into it, his attention only pulled away for a moment each time he saw a pony glance upward, after which it would return to its spot at the door in front of him.
“The dresses would have been on the left side,” he muttered aloud, “yes, definitely on the left side.”
“Looking at a Canterlot outpost for your boutique, old chap?”
He turned his head towards the older stallion that now stood next to him. “Fancy Pants,” he said, ignoring the question, “how are you doing?”
“Not too well, I’m afraid.” he replied. “I just returned from the castle.”
“Oh, right. You were there, too.” He glanced over at an empty bench and motioned towards it. “Care to have a seat with me?”
Fancy Pants nodded and together they made their way to sit down. Neither stallion spoke, but decided instead to simply stare out at the empty storefront. A few ponies passed them by, but neither they nor the seated ponies took notice of one another. Every once in a while, Elusive would look over to him, but would turn away when Fancy Pants glanced back over. Finally, Fancy Pants cleared his throat.
“Elusive, have you ever felt like you were close to a goal, only to have it taken away at the last moment?”
He hesitated for a moment before answering. “Yes.” he leaned over. “I take it that your question and the events that transpired at the castle are connected?”
“You have no idea.” he replied. “Suffice it to say, my project has been put on hold.”
“I know the feeling.” Elusive said as he turned back to look at his reflection in the glass.
“At least you and the other Elemental Bearers were there to stop the monster.” Fancy Pants chuckled to himself. “A rumor, of course. You wouldn’t believe how many are already floating…” his words trailed off as he turned to Elusive, whose hooves now clenched the wooden slats of the bench. “Elusive, are you all right? Pardon me for being blunt, but you look awful.”
Elusive shook his head, as though snapped out of a trance. “I’m sorry, darling. I just didn’t get much sleep last night and this morning, I’ve been busy.”
“Nothing. Nevermind. So, how much does this storefront cost, if I may ask?”
“About as much as Princess Bluebelle’s party last night.” He replied as his eyes glazed over.
“You’re not joking?” he rolled his eyes. “And I thought Fleur’s birthday celebration a few years back was extravagant.”
“Speak of the changeling, and she doth appear.” he replied as he glanced around. “Isn’t that how the saying goes?”
“Oh, don’t be like that. I’m certain she has turned over a new leaf, so to speak.” His horn lit up and he levitated a newspaper out of his coat pocket. “What she has done is front page news, in fact.”
Elusive slowly reached forward to grab the newspaper, afraid of what it might read. “Oh dear,” he said, “What is Hoity Toity going to say about this?”
*****
Hoity Toity sat at the breakfast table, waiting for his egg white omelette. As he waited, he glanced down at the newspaper.
“Hmm.” he muttered his only reaction at the headline. “Doily, could you come here, please?”
“Yes, sir?” his servant replied as he turned a corner.
“Could you be a dear and bring that crystal vase from the foyer?”
“The Kathiawari Dynasty one?”
“Yes, the fifteenth century one, not the fourteenth.”
Doily left and returned moments later with the vase in question and set it on the table. Hoity Toity picked it up and held it in his hooves for a moment, admiring the intricate patterns and the red roses that they held. He glanced back and forth between the vase and the newspaper. His eye started to twitch and his grasp became tighter. With a rather high pitched scream, he hurled the vase across the room, where it shattered against the wall. Rose petals exploded into the air before fluttering to the ground.
“That two-timing, backstabbing, no-account, good for nothing-”
Hoity Toity’s tirade continued as Doily’s wide-eyed expression moved from one side of the room to the other until it finally came to rest on the newspaper he had brought in without reading. At the top of the page was a photograph of Fleur De Lis, with a caption that read:
FORMER MODEL REVEALS ALL. VOWS TO EXPOSE CORRUPT INDUSTRY.
*****
“I daresay that Fleur may have found a new calling.” Fancy Pants pointed to the last page of the article. “she and some photographer by the name of Big Shot are apparently working to fix the corruption in the fashion industry.”
“Sure.” Elusive said, smiling awkwardly. “Look, I hate to cut this meeting short, but I still have a lot of work to do.” Elusive stood up. “If it’s okay, we should have lunch sometime soon.”
“Of course.”
“And Fancy Pants? If there’s anything you need, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask me for assistance.”
Fancy Pants remained seated as Elusive trotted away and disappeared into an alley. He looked up and sighed. His horn glowed, and his monocle rose into the air as he pulled a cloth from his pocket to rub it clean. He got up and made his way home, paying no mind to the ponies around him. As he reached his home, he saw a mailpony standing at his mailbox.
“Can I help you?”
The mailpony reached into his saddlebag, pulled out a small envelope, and unceremoniously gave it to him.
“A letter for you, sir.”
“Thank you, but isn’t it a bit early for your delivery?”
“These letters were marked high priority.” he replied as he tipped his hat. “You have a good day, sir.” With that, he unfurled his wings and took off into the sky.
Fancy Pants shrugged and opened the letter. As he read the words, he squinted his eyes in confusion. He opened the door and walked inside.
“I guess I’m going to be at the castle again this evening.”
*****
The hours passed by, and the sun eventually made its way through the sky and touched the horizon. For Dusk Shine and Bluebelle, the hours went by without notice. Locked away in the library, surrounded by dozens of books, Dusk Shine paced back and forth in front of Bluebelle, both of them with determined looks.
“Now, what have we learned?” he asked.
“Conditioning is what happens when a given stimulus evokes a response. When two stimuli are presented coincidentally, either stimuli with eventually be interchangeable, to the same effect.”
“Excellent.” Dusk Shine said as he levitated a piece of chalk to the chalkboard and checked off the first line. “What else?”
“Counterconditioning is the process of reducing the stress associated with a certain stimulus by introducing an incompatible or incongruent response to the condition stimulus.”
“Yes!” he replied as he checked off another line. “I would also have accepted ‘reciprocal inhibition’.” he looked back at the board. “and most importantly?”
Bluebelle closed her eyes. “My stimulus is dirt.” She took a deep breath to keep her heartbeat slow. “I conflated a trauma with dirt, a neutral stimulus, thus attaching a negative connotation with said stimulus.”
“Right. Now that you know the elements of ‘systematic desensitization’, let us introduce the neutral stimulus.” Dusk Shine moved the chalkboard away, revealing a small table. On the table was a container filled with sand on one end and a pitcher of water on the other. He then made his way over to Bluebelle and gave her a hug. “I’m so proud of you, Bluebelle.”
She returned the hug, her hooves resting gently on Dusk Shine’s back. “Thank you.” she whispered. They stayed that way for longer than necessary, and Bluebelle could feel her heartbeat speed up. Try to stay calm, she thought. Is the sight of the dirt really what is making your heart race? She shook her head at the thought that had intruded upon her focused once more on Dusk Shine, who had now released himself from the hug and was in front of the table. His horn glowed, and a victrola began to play a song. The strings began, followed by an alto voice.
When you're feeling down and out Wondering what this world's about I know a place that has the answer.
“Is this the female singer from Black Ivory?” she asked. “I didn’t know she did a collaboration with Buck Pongione.”
“I know, right?” he replied. “I know you like jazz, so I’m going to use this as your stimulus.” He reached out to Bluebelle. “Don’t worry, we’ll get through this.”
Bluebelle stepped forward and looked down at the dirt.
“We’ll start easy. Just touch the dirt. It’s not wet, it’s not sticky or anything.”
Bluebelle took a breath and reached into the container. Her hoof came into contact with it. A flugelhorn joined in with the strings. A triangle tinkled just beneath the other instruments.
“Good. Now tell me what you feel.”
“I feel...” she looked over at Dusk Shine and found herself staring into his lavender eyes. Her gaze moved down until it came to a stop at the fur around his muzzle that held a gentle smile. “It’s soft, like tiny pearls. My hoof sinks into it very easily.”
“Are you feeling alright, Bluebelle?”
She nodded as the guitars joined in. “Yes, I’m fine.”
“Good. I expected that. You never seemed to have a reaction to just dirt. It was mud and things like that I usually notice when I’m looking at you.”
“And how long were you looking at me?” she chuckled as his eyes widened and he reached up to rub the back of his neck. He’s so bashful when it comes to anything personal, she thought as she took her hoof out of the container.
“Um, it’s not… What I meant to say was… I was just looking out of… concern.” Dusk Shine stumbled over his words as he looked down at the table. “Okay, water…” he levitated the pitcher, and Bluebelle noticed how he was trying to search for what to say next. “Water… good old Dihydrogen Monoxide.”
“Are you feeling nervous? she asked.
“No, it’s just...” he bit his lip. “Are you ready?”
Bluebelle watched the water as it left the pitcher and landed on the sand, changing its coloration from light tan to a darker brown. The tiny pearls coalesced into an amorphous blob. As more water was poured in, she felt her breathing go faster. It is a conditioned response, she thought, just a response. Though she tried to control herself, she still felt her body tense up as she looked at the sludgy material. She closed her eyes.
Suddenly, she felt something warm on her hoof. She opened her eyes again and saw that Dusk Shine had placed his hoof on top of hers and was holding it. The song grew louder, but not too loud to where Dusk Shine had to raise his voice. Immediately, she felt her muscles loosen and her hoof extend towards the mud.
“We’ll do this together, okay? Just listen to the music.”
They did, and as the music reached its first crescendo, Bluebelle couldn’t help but start to sway back and forth with the music. As she did, she turned to Dusk Shine, who was also getting into the music. As he swayed his hips back and forth, she saw his tail swishing in an almost circular motion out of the corner of her eyes. He still is an awful dancer when he thinks nopony is looking, she thought. Then why are you looking? came the intruding thought once more.
She looked away and gasped when she saw that her hoof was already in the mud. She looked up to Dusk Shine and saw that his smile had grown exponentially.
“You’re doing it, Bluebelle!” She took a deep breath and instinctively jerked her hoof away. As she trembled, she felt Dusk Shine wrap around her and was pulled into another hug. “I’m so proud of you! It was only for a few seconds, but you were able to distract yourself long enough to touch it.”
She felt his chest against hers and cautiously pulled away. “Yeah,” she said, rubbing her hoof, “can we get this stuff off now?”
Dusk Shine levitated a nearby towel and placed it on her leg to get the mud away. “Tell me what you felt.”
We are waiting To help you find The dream made just for you.
The second solo started, combining the flugelhorn and saxophone. Bluebelle started to respond, but when her thoughts turned to the mud, she thought only of Dusk Shine’s hoof as it felt on hers. “It felt warm.” She answered.
“Warm… that’s a neutral response.” he looked around the table. “I don’t want to push you too far today. But I’ll be honest with you. The progress that you’ve made in just one day is amazing.” Dusk Shine blushed. “You look like a completely new pony. You look a lot more open.” he turned away and picked up the pitcher. “I like the new you.” His eyes darted back and forth. “I mean, you were fine before - very pretty - I’m sure you had many suitors.”
Bluebelle raised an eyebrow.
“What I mean to say is…” They stared at one another until his eyes looked behind her. “Oh my, look how late it is.” He said. “How long have we been in here?”
Bluebelle turned to the window and saw that the sun was on the horizon. “We must have been in here all day.” she said. “are you hungry?” Both of their stomachs rumbled and they laughed. “Well then, that answers that. Let’s just clean up,” she said as her horn lit up, “and then we can-”
She stopped speaking the moment she felt it. Dusk Shine had used his magic at the same time to grab the towel, and the two of them could feel their auras wrap around one another. As the colors of their auras blended together, they couldn’t help but look at one another once more.
“I just wanted to say that I’m glad that Princess Celestia sent me that letter to help you.” he craned his neck back slightly and gave a lopsided smile.
She felt her throat go dry as his gaze peered down towards her. I never realized just how much taller than me he is. She brushed her mane to the side. “Thank you. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you did, too.”
“Bluebelle…”
“Yes?”
The sound of an inkwell falling to the floor sent a loud pinging noise through the air. Both Dusk Shine and Bluebelle turned their heads towards the sound, only to see Sergeant Lighthoof cowering in a corner next to the door.
“Oh Celestia's mercy!” he cried out, holding his hooves in front of his muzzle for protection, “I didn’t realize that both of you were in here! Please, I didn’t mean to interrupt!”
Dusk Shine turned to Bluebelle. “Are we really this frightening when our studies are interrupted?”
“Maybe we should call a meeting to give a vow to the guards that we’ll stop throwing things at them.”
“Agreed.” Dusk Shine trotted cautiously towards the guard and held out a hoof. The guard peeked through his hooves and slowly reached out his own to help him to stand. “Sergeant Lighthoof, what brings you here at this hour?”
“Well, you see,” Lighthoof said, still nervous, “There’s… well… Their Royal Highnesses require your and Her Highness Princess Bluebelle’s presence in the ballroom.”
Bluebelle shrugged her shoulders, and together, they made their way through the hall. “Do you think she needs us to give our accounts of the evening?”
“That doesn’t make sense. What if they’ve caught Elusive?”
“I’m fairly certain he would be in the dungeon if that were the case.” Bluebelle sighed as they reached the ballroom doors. The guard walked ahead of them and took his place next to it, leaving the two to open it on their own. Bluebelle prepared her magic to open the door, but then stopped and reached forward to touch the handle with her hoof. She looked back at Dusk Shine, who was looking back at her with a warm smile. She opened the doors. “We’ll find out soon-”
Bluebelle shook her head and looked around the room once more. There were the decorations, just like the night before, down to every small detail - even the silver and gold patterned streamers on the ceiling had been replicated. On the side of the room stood the ice sculptures, glistening just as they had before they had shattered into a million pieces. As soon as she and Dusk Shine had entered the room, the music had started up, and even the orchestra performers were back in their original seats. But that was the only part of the recreation that was amiss to Bluebelle. She couldn’t quite place a hoof on what it was until an alto voice broke through the sounds of the trumpets and coronets. The voice was the same, but the music this time was more upbeat.
I'm flying high but I've got a feeling I'm falling Falling for nopony else but you You caught my eye and I've got a feeling I'm falling Show me the ring and I'll jump right through
“I don’t believe it,” she heard Dusk Shine say, who still stood next to her with his mouth agape. “How did this... I don’t…” he turned to Bluebelle, “what?”
It was at that moment that she saw the crowd of ponies in front of her part and begin to bow as her aunts strolled through the room, their muzzles plastered with knowing smiles. She saw them turn their heads to the right a few moments later, and when Bluebelle turned to see what they were looking at, she saw King Aeolus and the Anemoi trotting in from the side of the room.
“I… I don’t understand,” she looked at Luna, “Auntie, what is this?” she felt her aunt wrap a hoof around her and pull her into a hug, “is this a dream?”
“I assure you this is not a dream, Bluebelle.”
“But how-”
A hoof was held up to Bluebelle’s mouth. She immediately stopped talking and looked up to Luna, who simply looked on as she removed her hoof and then pointed it to the crowd. “Do not trouble yourself with such questions now, niece. It has been expressed that you are to enjoy your ball as it was intended.”
Bluebelle turned to Dusk Shine and laughed, because as she and Luna had been talking, a blue stallion had used that opportunity to sidle up next to him.
“So,” Boreas said as a smile crept onto his muzzle, “a little birdie told me that you wanted an opportunity to meet an Anemoi?”
Bluebelle and Luna’s muzzles quivered as they tried to contain their laughter after seeing Dusk Shine’s blush in reaction to the closeness of the energetic stallion. Finally, Celestia took command of the situation.
“Would everypony follow me, please.” she said as she turned towards the stage.
Bluebelle felt another hoof wrap around her withers, and she looked up to see Zephyrus holding her close, his stone black eyes staring directly at her. “Your Highness,” he said, “do not worry. I will make sure that this night goes well.”
“Thank you,” she replied as she looked around the room at the smiling ponies, noting the details once more, “but I think that everything’s going to be just fine.” Moments later, Bluebelle, joined by Dusk Shine, trotted towards the stage behind the princesses. Walking in tow strode the Anemoi, followed, at last, by King Aeolus. For Bluebelle, everything moved so quickly, but as she took her place, amongst her friends, she smiled. The conversations throughout the ballroom died down, and all eyes turned to her. She turned to Celestia, who nodded her head and took a step forward.
“Good evening, everypony. I wish to express my gratitude that you all could attend tonight’s festivities. May you all be merry. We are here tonight to properly celebrate Princess Bluebelle’s birthday.” She turned to Luna, who simply stood there with a smile on her muzzle. Both of them turned back to the crowd and scanned it with their magic, happy that they could no longer see any dark orbs over their heads.
It was at that moment that Bluebelle placed a hoof on Celestia and nodded to her. She smiled and let Bluebelle step forward to look around at the crowd. Bluebelle could see the hope in everypony’s eyes, the smiles on their muzzles, and the energy they were sending. She turned to Dusk Shine for a moment and then turned back.
“A birthday is a wondrous occasion,” Bluebelle said as she peered to Dusk Shine from the corner of her eye, “It is a day in our lives when we see what we have done in the past year. But it is also a time of looking forward. We look forward to see where we want to go. Birthdays can serve us well in that regard - it can help us to see where we wish to go in our lives. To everypony here, I invite you to see where you are now, not where you once were. In our lives, we often feel as though we are wanderers, made only to follow our paths alone. But we are not alone, so long as we have friends with whom to share the journey.”
As she wondered what to say next, the doors to the ballroom opened, and Bluebelle immediately saw a large cake being wheeled into the room. As Chef Dior pushed the cake through the room, she saw the frosting glimmer in the light, the silver and gold colors shifting back and forth so quickly that it appeared to spin in circles. As it got closer, she felt her heart race, and she took a step back until she felt the body of another pony press against hers. She turned to see Dusk Shine holding her tightly.
“Everything is going to be okay, Bluebelle,” he said. The cake finally reach the front of the stage and a knife was placed next to it. Dusk Shine held out his hoof. “We’ll do it together, all right?”
Their eyes met once more, and Bluebelle felt entranced by his stare. She felt his hoof wrap around hers, then she felt him gently place it onto the knife. She took a deep breath and noticed how warm his grasp felt against her fur. Bluebelle turned her gaze to Dusk Shine’s cutie mark, then the sun and moon cutie marks that adorned her aunts’ flanks. She smiled and turned back to the audience.
“I am going to break tradition and tell you all my birthday wish as I cut this cake. Just as the travellers of old use the heavenly bodies to guide them on their journeys, my wish is that everypony here sees friends not just as ponies, but also as heavenly bodies that they, too, can use to guide them through their lives. Pick a star that shines against the horizon of your future, and follow it. And just as your friends can serve as your guide, may you, too, serve as a guiding light for others. Let the light shine forth and lead us to the future we wish to see for ourselves.”
Bluebelle felt the knife in her hoof. Her breathing quickened as it came closer to the cake, but Dusk Shine’s body against her captured her attention. She felt his fur brush against hers once more, and she looked up to see that he was already looking at her. As she stared into his lavender eyes, the rest of the world turned into a blue. What is happening, she thought. She turned back to the cake, only to see that she had already cut through it.
She waited.
The ballroom was quiet. She continued to look at the cake, and when she realized that nothing had happened, she released a breath that she didn’t realize she had been holding. The cake was just a cake, nothing more. The knife simply rest at the bottom of the plate that held it, pieces of frosting fell onto the knife handle, but that was it. She heard Dusk Shine whisper into her ear.
“I knew you could do it, Bluebelle.”
The applause started with the Anemoi on the stage, and from there, it grew to the other ponies on the stage, and finally, the sound of hooves stomping the floor echoed through the entire ballroom. A small laugh escaped Bluebelle’s lips.
“Is it time?” a frenetic voice asked. Everypony turned to the source, only to see Bubble Berry shaking with anticipation so strongly that he was bouncing up and down. Dusk Shine laughed and held Bluebelle in a warm embrace. Bluebelle nodded to Bubble Berry, who simply shot into the air and shouted. “Then it is time… to… party!”
“You have fun, Bluebelle.” Dusk Shine said as he hugged her. “I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?” she asked.
Dusk Shine looked around the room for a moment before replying. “I just have something that I need to take care of. I will be right back.”
"Is it... Elusive?"
"What makes you say that?"
"You don't find it coincidental that this party is a perfect recreation? Who else would be able to get so much of it right." Dusk Shine scoffed. "anypony besides you, of course."
"We'll see if my hunch is right. I'll be back."
“Okay. Come back soon.”
The music started once more, and the ponies onstage descended into the crowd once more. Above them all, however, Elusive watched the scene from behind a tapestry hanging on the wall of a balcony. His gaze moved from Bluebelle to Dusk Shine and he absorbed every detail that he could for the moment. He glanced back and forth to make sure that there were no guards nearby, then he turned away and galloped into the shadows.
As he turned through the corridors, he could see the doors leading to the library just ahead. Before he reached it, a dark blue light began to glow in front of him. A moment later, he saw Luna step out of the light, and immediately he froze.
“Is there a reason why you aren’t down there?” she asked, pointing her hoof back to the ballroom.
Elusive chuckled. “Because I promised that I would do what I could to make sure this party goes at is was supposed to go.” He looked down at the floor. “I said I would make sure that whatever it was that ruined the party last time would be gone.”
“But the cake was fixed.”
“The cake wasn’t what ruined the party, Your Highness,” he looked up, “it was only me.”
Elusive bowed and began to walk around Luna. He was stopped once more.
“Bluebelle forgives you, Elusive, as does Dusk Shine,” Luna said, “The other ponies do not know that this was your doing.”
“But I still do.” he replied flatly.
“But I understand. The forgiveness of others means nothing to one who can’t forgive themselves. Trust me, I know.” Elusive shook Luna’s hoof off of him and continued towards the library. “And where are you going?”
“I noticed a certain… detail, that I missed earlier. Think of it as one last thread to complete an outfit. I cannot simply leave it there. It has to be sewn in.”
Elusive disappeared behind the door, leaving Luna alone in the hall. She shook her head and turned back towards the ballroom. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched the moon as it ascended into the sky. The stars that surrounded it glistened like diamonds. I pray that you find a light once more to guide you, Elusive. Nopony deserves to walk alone through the shadows.
On the other side of the door, Elusive waited for the sound of Luna’s hoofsteps fading away before he retreated into the library. He scanned the room and immediately made his way to the cushions that lined a nearby wall. There, he fell to his haunches and stared out the window towards the night sky. Come now, Elusive, he thought, you can do this. You can find a way. As hard as he tried to think, however, the thoughts of everything leading up to tonight filled his mind. He remembered the light that glistened in Bubble Berry’s eyes as he convinced him to assist him with the prank. The memories went back further to the night of the Grand Galloping Gala and the face Bluebelle made as he tried to con her into being his model. Generosity my left flank.
Laughter and music echoed through the halls outside, but only a hint of their sounds reached his ears. From this distance, Elusive couldn’t help but feel detached from everything that was going on outside. Find a way to get them together, he thought, you know what you saw. There was something there. His thoughts took him through all of his friends, until the ghostly image of a yellow pegasus began to stain his mind. Butterscotch’s light blue eyes remained in his thoughts until he felt his hoof grow warm. He shook his head and looked down to see that his hoof was wet and that his eyes burned.
“How could you have been so stupid?” he said aloud as he got to his hooves. Elusive looked around the room and saw a pedestal, upon which was an open book. He glanced at the top of the page and read the words beneath them. He sighed when he heard the sound of a bubble popping behind him. “Of course you would come to the library while a party was going on.” He said without turning his head. “You did the same thing your first night in Ponyville.” Elusive saw a purple hoof come to rest on the pedestal, but he still didn’t move.
“You put all of this together? In one day?” Dusk Shine asked. “I thought I was the organized one.”
“How did you know I was here?”
“I noticed that you were the only pony I couldn’t see in the ballroom. And you aren’t as adept at hiding as you think.”
Elusive stepped away from the pedestal. “When did you figure out Golden Dream’s Dilemma?” he asked in an attempt to change the subject.
“What?”
“Look for yourself.” he waited for Dusk Shine to scan the page, satisfied with the diversion. “Judging from the way you and Bluebelle were looking at one another, I would say that she had something to do with it?”
“All because of you,” he muttered the last words, “How we were looking at one another?”
“Oh come on, you can’t be that naive. Fleur De Lis is one thing, but to miss signals as obvious as the ones Bluebelle is giving?” Dusk Shine blushed and Elusive sighed. “Would it be too forward of me to give you advice?”
Dusk Shine raised an eyebrow.
“Think of it as a friendship report, like the ones you used to write to Her Highness.”
“Go on.”
“Dear Prince Dusk Shine,” Elusive waited for Dusk Shine's chuckling to subside, "Today I learned about how words have power. They have the power to bring us together, but they also have the power to tear us apart from one another. Words are meant to communicate, not to hide behind. For so long, I always assumed that in my line of work I always had to use words to get my own way. But I've learned that by being honest, your words can help you because they help others." Elusive refused to let his eyes meet Dusk Shine, and so he turned to the window again.
"You feel very deeply for her, don't you?"
Dusk Shine thought back on the past few days. As he thought more about Bluebelle, his lips slowly turned to a smile.
“I thought so." Elusive said, “Go to her. You know how you feel now. Just tell her. I saw it in her eyes just as much as I saw it in yours.”
Dusk Shine turned to run out the door. “Are you sure you won’t come to the party?” he asked.
“I do not belong there, My Liege. Maybe one day, but not today.”
Dusk Shine saw the darkness in Elusive’s eyes. Though he wanted to press further, he could see that Elusive had already made up his mind. He turned to the pedestal and focused his magic on the book. It levitated through the air until it was by his side, then he turned and left. Elusive slowly made his way back to the cushions, where he took his place in the space in the shadows between the windows.
*****
The time passed, and Bluebelle continued to mingle with the surrounding ponies. She smiled as she thought of all the new friendships she had made that evening. She couldn’t wait to find Dusk Shine to tell him how well she was doing. Still, as the night drew on, she found herself standing next to the punchbowl getting a glass of punch.
“Hey there.”
Bluebelle turned from the punchbowl and saw that Applejack stood next to her.
“Oh, good evening, Sir Applejack. Are you enjoying the festivities?”
“Ah’m pleased as punch to be here. You seen Dusk lately?”
“No, I haven’t. Why? Did you need to speak with him?”
“Oh no,” Applejack rubbed the back of his head, “I just coulda swore I saw Elusive upstairs earlier and I just wanted to see what Dusk thought, is all.”
Bluebelle’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry. Elusive is here?”
Now it was Applejack’s turn to look surprised. “Shoot, Ah know Ah shoulda said nothin’ about it.”
“You said he was upstairs, correct?” She waited for Applejack to nod his head. “Don’t tell anypony, understand?” She didn’t wait for a response before she turned away and headed for the doors. She kept a slow pace so as not to arouse suspicion, though the guards did raise their eyebrows as she left the room. As soon as she was out of eyesight, she teleported to the library. Anytime Dusk tries to do something, he’s always in the library, she thought as she opened the door.
The door squeaked as she pushed it open to reveal the darkened library. She poked her head inside and called out.
“Dusk Shine?” she called, “Dusk Shine are you in here?”
“You just missed him.”
Bluebelle jumped at the voice, but immediately knew to whom it belonged.
“Elusive.” she said as she turned to the source of the voice. There he was, sitting on a small cushion against the wall. She took a few steps towards him, but stopped when he emerged from the shadows. His eyes were bloodshot and the fur on his muzzle was matted. “Elusive?” she asked. She reached forward, but stopped when he pulled back.
“You were looking for Dusk Shine. My guess would be that he went to the garden. Probably to read in the moonlight, one would suppose.”
“And how would you know that?”
“Oh come now, nothing supernatural like that. I can see him from the window.” Bluebelle started to leave, but Elusive’s hoof shot out of the darkness and grabbed onto her. “Bluebelle, wait.”
She stopped and turned around. Standing this close to him, she couldn’t help but notice his features - the bags under his eyes made the area of fur appear grey, and the redness from him crying even affected the blue in his eyes. His hoof trembled, as though he couldn’t quite get a good grip on her. For a moment, a thought entered unbidden into her mind. This stallion was a threat, she thought, only to shake the thought out almost immediately. Looking closer at the stallion she saw before her, she couldn’t feel anger at him; she couldn’t feel anything besides pity at this moment.
“Bluebelle, I saw you looking at him… earlier. The look in your eyes. I know that look.” He shook his head and he grit his teeth together. “Just tell him how you feel. I do promise you he feels the same way.”
“How could you know that?” she asked.
“As easy as it is to believe that my special talent lies in being manipulative, I actually have an eye for detail,” his grip softened, “just tell him. Dusk Shine deserves somepony who looks at him the way you do for the rest of his life. I may have-” his words caught in his throat, “That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you just be honest. I wasn’t honest with you, and look where that got us.”
“He… he has feelings for me?” She heard Elusive gasp at how quickly she reached forward to hug him. “Elusive, I promised Dusk Shine that everypony deserves another chance.
“Please. don’t thank me for correcting something that I shouldn’t have done in the first place.”
“Won’t you come down from here?”
“Trust me when I say that I don’t belong there.” Elusive turned back to the window. “Just because you offer forgiveness doesn’t mean I feel as though I can take it.”
Bluebelle pulled Elusive’s muzzle from the window and stared into his eyes. “It will still be there, whenever you are willing to take it. you understand?” She wrapped her hooves around him for a hug. For a moment, she felt nothing, but then finally, she felt a foreleg wrap delicately around her back. She smiled and released him before teleporting away.
*****
Dusk Shine sat at the table of the Rose Garden and read through the newly created spell. All the time, he kept thinking back to what he had said to Princess Celestia a few days ago.
Bluebelle I want to say I’ve never felt this way I’m not sure what it is I feel But I think that this might reveal A way I can make true love real
He sung to himself without thinking, but as he did so, images of Bluebelle entered into his mind. He heard the sound of a telekinetic bubble popping behind him and he watched as Bluebelle emerged from the magic orb. They stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say to one another. Finally, Bluebelle broke the silence.
“I take it you spoke to Elusive?” she asked.
“I did.”
Bluebelle took a seat next to him at the table. She glanced down at the book and laughed. “So, we fixed the dilemma without even realizing it.”
“Ponies have called us oblivious before.” he laughed, “but it appears so. Bluebelle, there is something I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I… I just…”
Dusk Shine looked back down at the book, but then he felt a hoof on his chin pushing his gaze upwards. He saw Bluebelle looking into his eyes. She smiled.
Open your heart, hear what I say We don’t have to remain alone here Why can’t we let this be the day That we can let somepony in there
She moved her hoof from his chin to his chest. “I don’t want to keep this a secret. I don’t want to deny how I feel anymore. You are an amazing stallion, Dusk. If it weren’t for you, I would still be hiding in a tower somewhere, avoiding everypony. You taught me so much in just these past few days. And for that, I am eternally grateful. I would not be where I am if it weren’t for you.” She spoke quickly to get all of the words out at once, and then she took a deep breath when she was finished.
Dusk Shine clutched Bluebelle’s hooves against his own. “I'm tired of trying to keep how I feel within. I want to tell you how I feel. You helped me learn about a whole new level of relationship, Bluebelle. When I was first assigned to help with your birthday, I only saw it as a test to help you see the value of friendship. But without you, I wouldn’t have learned the difference between falling in love and being used. Thank you.”
“Well then, it seems that we both taught one another about the good and bad things associated with it, haven’t we? As the spell goes, I suppose.”
They leaned in towards one another, but as they did, they heard the sound of the band from an open window. The notes of a slowly strummed guitar wafted through the air until it reached them, and as it did, they felt their heartbeats begin to race.
All my life, all I saw was darkness And then you made a light for me Although I now can see the shadows I see colors, too
All my fears, I let them control me All my fears, I thought they were true Now it’s clear, they disappear Now that I’m here with you
And the words are coming true And they’re leaping off the pages And the words are coming true And they’re written in my heart And they speak to me and you And they’re true throughout the ages
Thanks to you, I can finally see that These words can come true
Bluebelle glanced down and a lock of her mane fell, covering her eyes. Suddenly, she felt a hoof come to rest on her cheek for a moment before it pushed her mane back. She looked up and saw Dusk Shine leaning in.
“How could I have not seen this before?” she asked.
“The same reason that I couldn’t. But I see it, now, because now I see you.”
I have seen that without its brightness There would be no colors to see Everything around me I see now All because of you
All my fears, I let them take over All my fears, are gone, now I see Now and for forever more You’ll stay right here with me
And the words are coming true
And they’re leaping off the pages
And the words are coming true
And they’re written in my heart
And they speak to me and you And they’re true throughout the ages
Thanks to you, I can finally see that These words can come true
These words can come true
“I can’t believe it,” Dusk Shine said, “I can feel my dopamine levels rising as we speak, not to mention the heart rate increase. I would at least say my heart is pumping at one hundred twenty-five percent of normal. On top of that, I-”
Dusk Shine continued to mumble for a moment through the hoof that Bluebelle had placed over his muzzle. He saw her smiling at him once more.
“Sometimes, no words are even necessary.”
She leaned forward and moved her hooves to his cheeks. As he sat there motionless, he felt her lips press against his. He sighed, but then his hooves took over, moving upwards to cup her cheeks as well. He closed his eyes and let himself melt into her kiss.
*****
A small smile emerged from Elusive as he watched the scene from the window. The sound of hoofsteps once again interrupted him.
“You know you played a role in this, as well.” he heard Luna say from behind him.
“Ah yes,” he laughed darkly, “the misunderstood villain. I can’t imagine why everypony isn’t clamboring over one another to get that coveted role.”
Luna pulled him away from the window. “I promise, things will get better for you, as well.”
“Maybe you’re right, Your Highness.” Elusive replied, “Through their friendship, perhaps forgiveness will come. Newly in my dreams.”
Okay, Bluebelle thought as the silver pins hovered in front of the map of Equestria, we know that Unicorn Range is in need of a warm summer breeze. But there is Appaloosa to consider, as well. She continued to study the map and wondered whether or not she could get Zephyrus to send his wind to two places at once.
“You know, Eurus could give Appaloosa some much needed rain.”
Bluebelle screamed and sent the pins soaring across the room towards the sound of the voice, only to see Bubble Berry standing in an awkward pose with the pins centimeters from his limbs.
“Oh dear, Sir Bubble Berry! I’m sorry,” she said as she pulled the pins out from the wall, “but I just hate it when ponies sneak up on me like that.”
“It’s all right,” he replied, “Butterscotch says that acupuncture is a really good way to relieve stress.”
“Uh huh.”
“Oh look,” he pointed to his flank, where a pin was lodged into his cutie mark, “you’re a horseshoe in for the pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey contest.” he laughed as he plucked the offending pin out of his backside. Bluebelle just rolled her eyes and chuckled to herself. “But seriously, Eurus is great with cooling things down, isn’t he.”
“Well, I thought about that, but Eurus is a bit… unlucky… when it comes to gauging how much rain the desert needs.” she took the pin from him. “Besides, he is more comfortable being an autumn wind, not a summer one.” she gathered the pins and put them into the bowl next to the map. “So, what brings you here today?”
“Oh, right, it is only summer, isn't it?” Bubble Berry replied as he rummaged through his saddlebag, “so, you know about the whole Fleur getting back with Fancy Pants to work on his unicorn net thing, right?”
“Ah yes, The Equestrian Network for the Eradication of Tribalism project.” she replied, not correcting him, “how is it coming along?”
“Well, since they got the funding from an anonymous donor six months ago, you know, after the whole cake thing?”
Bluebelle rolled her eyes and shook her head. Oh Bubble Berry, she thought. Fortunately, the sessions with Dusk Shine over the past few months had really helped her not only get over her fears, but also to get to know Bubble Berry as well as his friends better.
“How could you forget?” he asked, taking her head shake as a no, “you were all covered in icing, and the Anemoi were all like ‘neigh, soul sister’ and-”
Bluebelle held up a hoof. “No, I remember. I was just thinking about something else.”
“Wow, you must have a short attention span.”
“Anyway,” she tried to get back onto the subject, “what about it?”
“Well, I just got a letter from Lucy about his work in Mareocco about his work with the zebras there.”
“He sent a letter?”
Bubble Berry nodded, but Bluebelle merely walked into the next room and sat down on the sofa. She turned to the nearby desk and looked at the stationary that rest in a pile on the surface. She knew what was written on them; they were copies of the letters she and Dusk Shine had sent to Elusive after they had found out where he had run off to. Six months, she wondered, not one response.
“What does the letter say?” she asked.
“Oh, not much, really,” he said as he took a seat next to her, “just about how happy he was to be doing something worthwhile and some sort of clothing style using bat ticks.”
“Bat ticks?”
“Yeah, he went on and on about how they cover the clothes in wax and dye it.”
“Batik.” she corrected.
“I think it’s pronounced ‘technique’.”
Bluebelle rubbed her temples. There was a knock at the door, and Bluebelle’s aura wrapped around the handle to open it. There stood Dusk Shine, trying to straighten out the sash on his shoulder.
“Stupid fabric wanting to be uneven.” he cursed to himself, unaware that the door was open. “Oh, did you open the door Bubble-” he looked around for his companion, “...Berry?”
“He’s in here.” Bluebelle called out.
Dusk Shine entered the room. “How did you get in here so quickly?”
“How do you think?” he asked. Dusk Shine started to reply, but Bubble Berry began to shake uncontrollably. The shaking stopped and a huge smile appeared on his muzzle.
“Nevermind. I don’t want to know.” he answered as he made his way to Bluebelle and gave her a peck on the cheek. He turned to his excitable friend and Bluebelle could tell that he was excited to hear news from Elusive, “So, Bubble Berry, you said that you would read the letter once you had the two of us together. So, what does it say?”
Bluebelle felt Dusk Shine’s hoof tighten around her. She knew that he, too, had been worried about his friend, and she knew that he still considered him a friend. To be honest, she did as well. Out of everything Dusk Shine’s lessons had taught her, the most important one that she had learned was about forgiveness. The letters the two of them had sent to Elusive were never responded to, a fact that she knew kept Dusk Shine awake at night.
“Ahem,” Bubble Berry began as he unfurled the scroll, “Where was I?” he started to read the letter, “oh yeah. Batik, in case you were not aware, is a fabric dyeing technique in which the fabric is drawn upon with a canting. The wax repels the dye, creating a simply marvelous design once the rest of the fabric is stained with a multitude of colors. I daresay that Rainbow Blitz would look simply divine in them, ha ha ha.”
“I guess that would be funny.” Dusk Shine replied.
“Oh, that’s why he wrote it.” Bubble Berry showed them the letter, “see? ha ha ha. Anyway you guys caught me so quickly that I didn't even have a chance to finish the letter myself. After six months of work, I finally feel as though I have given the unicorn population the tools here to help build a support network to firmly establish the organization’s presence here for the next generation. I shall be returning in a fortnight. Thank you for everything. Elusive. P.S., please don’t tell the others that I am coming back. I don’t think I can bring myself to see them. Thank you for your understanding.” He smiled and looked up from the scroll, only to look down to reread the postscript once more. “Oh.”
“Bubble Berry, when was that letter written?” Dusk Shine pulled the letter from Bubble Berry’s grasp and gasped when he saw the date. “That was two weeks ago.”
“He’s coming back today?” Bluebelle shouted as she stood up and ran to the door. The two stallions looked at one another before they ran after her.
“Bluebelle, wait!” They gave chase and ran down the hall in pursuit, not noticing the raised eyebrows of the nearby guards at the scene that unfolded in front of them. The clattering of their hooves echoed through the halls as they tried to catch up to the mare, but they were soon stopped the moment they turned a corner and found themselves in front of the throne room.
There, in front of the Royal Guard, stood Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis. Fancy Pants wore his trademark coattails and monocle, but Fleur’s mane was pulled tightly into a ponytail and she wore a pair of thick rimmed glasses. All of the ponies gasped when they saw one another.
“Oh dear,” Fancy Pants cleared his throat, and both he and Fleur bowed towards the royalty. “Your Highness, and My Liege.”
“Please rise. We’re friends.”
“Her Highness’s words speak more to her forgiving nature than our relation.” Fleur replied.
“Nonsense,” Dusk Shine said, “I am proud at what you’ve done, Fleur. After everything settled, you dedicated yourself to fixing the Canterlot system of nepotism and cronyism. I look forward to your new book as well as the new models and artists you and Hoity Toity have discovered.”
“You should have seen the destruction he left in his wake when she suggested they collaborate on a project” Fancy Pants said, “I haven’t seen that many broken vases since that Iron Will character got trapped in the china shop.”
The gathered ponies started to laugh, but the sound of another pair of hooves against the tiles caused them to stop. They looked over and saw a stallion’s silhouette standing at the entryway with the rising sun behind him. The figure approached slowly, taking care not to make much noise.
The ponies gasped when they saw that it was Elusive. His once long mane had been cut above his withers, and his tail was so short that it barely wrapped around his flank. His gaze moved from pony to pony, and he stopped in his tracks. Silence grew around them until Bubble Berry burst through the group to crush him in a hug.
“Lucy!” he shouted, “it’s been six whole months! You never wrote me until this letter two weeks ago and I was so worried that something had happened to you. Well something did happen to you after the party but you just disappeared without telling anypony and I was so worried but then I managed to get Fancy Pants to tell me that you had come to him to offer your help in Equus and that you were in Mareocco and I’m so happy for you but I’m sad at the same time that you wouldn’t say anything to anypony.”
“Bubble Berry, darling,” Elusive gasped through the crushing hug, “I thought I asked you not to tell anypony that I had returned. One would think that after receiving one hundred fifty nine letters, the request that I made in the one letter that I sent in response would be adhered to.” Bubble Berry let Elusive go and he backed away for a moment, his gaze now on the floor in front of him.
“I say,” Fancy Pants said after nopony moved, “why don’t we finish this conversation this evening? Fleur and I still have a meeting with Her Highness Princess Celestia. We can meet at my place. I’m having a small gathering tonight in celebration of six months of work for the Equestrian Network for the Eradication of Tribalism.”
The other ponies nodded and turned to Elusive who still looked uneasy. Finally, after looking at their faces, he sighed.
“All right.”
*****
“Long story short, I would say that the seeds of tolerance have been planted in Zebrica, so far as tribalism is concerned.” The others listened as Elusive finished the tale of his work in Mareocco and set down his champagne flute. Dusk Shine cleared his throat and followed suit, unaware that the others at the table now turned to him. “But look at me, prattling on about every detail. Tell me, My Liege, how have things been on this side of the pond.”
“Elusive, you know I’d rather be called Dusk,” he tried to ignore Elusive’s blush, “But to answer your question, things have been going very well here. I’ve been helping Bluebelle speak with the Anemoi about organizing their schedules. Who would have thought that Zephyrus never sought out Eurus for help when it comes to sending warmer rains to the areas in which he works.”
“That’s Duskie for you,” Bubble Berry laughed, “Always organizing things. Thank Celestias he isn’t a party planner, or I’d have some stiff competition.”
“Stop that, sugarcube,” Applejack interjected, “You know that nopony compares to you when it comes to things like that.”
“I say, it seems that we all have had quite the experiences over the course of this year,” Fancy Pants said before taking another sip of champagne, “Speaking of events, congratulations on the six-month anniversary, you two.”
The table turned to Dusk Shine and Bluebelle, who simply turned to each other and kissed. A chorus of ‘ahhs’ emerged from the table, not noticing that Elusive turned away.
“Wait, did you say anniversary? You know what this calls for?”
“No,” the couple replied in unison.
“Aww.” the pony started to tremble and his eyes started to sparkle. A moment later, it stopped once more. “I’ll be right back.” he immediately hopped away.
The conversation slowly drifted to other matters, but Dusk Shine continued to watch Elusive as he slowly pulled away from the table. “Elusive,” he said, “could you accompany me outside? I keep having problems with my sash, and I could really use some help straightening things out.” he stood up, to which the others in the party stood up as well.
‘Of course.”
The two made their way across the room towards the balcony. It was a clear night, and the night sky was filled with stars. Standing outside was a familiar guard who, upon seeing the prince, bowed. “At ease, Sergeant Lighthoof.” Dusk Shine waited for his to return to his pose. “You may take your leave.”
Sergeant Lighthoof nodded his head, leaving the two stallions alone.
“It seems you have become comfortable with giving orders to the Royal Guard. I knew you would be able to get used to your role as their leader.”
Dusk Shine didn’t reply, choosing instead to let the comforting silence endure for another moment. He watched his friend continue to look up to the sky. Elusive’s eyes were closed, and in the moonlight, he could easily make out the small bags that had formed beneath his eyes. He gasped slightly when he saw a small scar across his muzzle. His friend was tired. Elusive swayed to the music that played inside, bobbing his head to the tune.
Nini ya moomoo Hatta yittib ehshana Oo ila ma ttab ehshana Yittib ehsha jirana
"What was that?" he asked.
"Just an old Mareoccan lullaby."
“Oh. Elusive?”
“You didn’t ask me out here to fix your sash, did you?” the two locked gazes. “You never were one for subtlety.”
“I wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me? Whatever for?”
Dusk Shine moved closer. “I know you still feel guilty about what happened. But if my time with Bluebelle has taught me anything, it is that everything we do is connected. Yes, you were pretty rotten back then, I’ll admit, but-”
“And here I thought dear Applejack was the Element of Honesty.” The two shared a smile. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be for that.” Dusk Shine replied.
“Not just about that. For everything.”
Dusk Shine the tears forming and immediately wrapped him in for a hug. “Elusive, you apologized for that six months ago, remember? And you know that Bluebelle offered you her forgiveness that night.”
“What about you? he asked.
“Forgiveness is one of the first lessons of friendship. Friends make mistakes. We are only ponies, after all. And to show you that, there’s something I need you to see.”
“This wouldn’t possibly have anything to do with that small box you have tucked away in the inside pocket of your sash, would it?”
“You felt that?”
“Let’s just say I noticed that your sash was askew the moment I saw you.”
“Well, yes.” Dusk Shine smiled. “So, do you have any advice?”
“After everything that has happened, I’m going to tell you the same thing I told you six months ago. Tell her straight out. You have the courage to do it. You had the courage to forgive me, so I’m sure you’ll do fine. You’ve got control over the situation. You even made sure that Bubble Berry didn’t find out.”
“I don’t know. He’s been doing his doozy shake all day.”
“Well then, you’d better do it before he lets the cat out of the bag.” The began to head back in. “Oh, and Dusk Shine? Thank you.”
Dusk Shine hugged him one more time. “You’ll always be a friend. The element stills glows within you, does it not? That’s how I knew you still had the magic of friendship in you.” They reentered the house, only to see Bubble Berry near the band, pushing Bluebelle back and forth.
“No, you have to be here,” he mumbled, pushing her to the left, “No, here.” he pushed her to the right. Dusk Shine saw that Fleur De Lis was up there, as well as his other friends. The look on Bluebelle’s face told Dusk Shine that he needed to hurry, and so he jumped forward, landing inches in front of her. Bubble Berry’s trembling started up again, causing the floor beneath him to shake.
“B-b-b-Bluebelle, I n-n-n-n-need to say s-s-something.” he shouted, his voice trembling at the force of the shakes. The shaking stopped, and Dusk Shine heard the room gasp. He looked at the ground in front of him, only to see that a small box was on the floor. He immediately reached for his sash pocket, but still felt the box within. He looked up to Bluebelle, whose eyes had widened and whose hoof was on her own pocket.
“Dusk Shine, I-”
“Doozy!” Bubble Berry shouted.
Dusk Shine sighed, pulled the box out from his sash, and set it on the floor next to Bluebelle’s. He immediately felt his cheeks burn. The burning stopped once he felt a pair of soft lips on them. He looked up to see Bluebelle nodding her head emphatically. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Elusive cover his muzzle to contain his laughter.
“I knew it I knew it!”
“That’s so cute.” Butterscotch squeaked.
“Dusk Shine,” Elusive said as he rushed forward and pushed them together, “Just do it.”
“Elusive, the fact that she has an engagement ring, too, tells me what her answer is going to be.”
“That’s not the point.” Elusive replied, and after a pause, he added, “darling.”
“Bluebelle,” he asked, will you-”
“Yes!” Dusk Shine felt a pair of hooves wrapped around his neck and heard the sound of more hooves clopping on the floor. He turned to see the crowd cheering for them.
“It’s great that I already put everypony in place for this!”
“Wait, what? Bubble Berry, no, we don’t need another-”
Bubble Berry flew into the air and landed in the middle of the crowd.
It's super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle I guess you could say they fell under each other’s own spell No matter what happens we can say all’s well that ends well Super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle
Dusk Shine looked down and finally noticed that a small 'x' had been crudely drawn at exactly the same spot he had landed moments earlier. He shook his head but then felt himself being pulled up by Bluebelle. As the band continued to play, he felt the energy of the music begin to well inside of him once more.
When I first met with Bluebelle All I saw was just a task From everything that I could tell She hid behind a mask
But as the days went on I saw That I had one on, too
It’s clear to see I’m better now That I am here with you
Bubble Berry reappeared with instruments covering every inch of his body.
It's super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle I guess you could say they fell under each other’s own spell No matter what happens we can say all’s well that ends well Super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle
"Why Elusive," Fleur De Lis whispered, "it seems your friend placed marks on the floor for us, as well."
"What?" Elusive looked down and saw a chalk drawing of himself and Fleur dancing with one another as a very large pink swirl of color watched on. "I see. Well, you first."
Fleur De Lis smiled and turned to the crowd.
I saw ponies of Canterlot As pieces in a game Somehow it seemed that I forgot That we are all the same
Elusive joined her in front.
Now you and I can try to make This world a better place We made our own mistakes But we have learned because of this
Bubble Berry crashed a pair of cymbals together.
It's super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle I guess you could say they fell under each other’s own spell No matter what happens we can say all’s well that ends well Super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle
Bubble Berry started to tremble once more. “Wait a minute!” Bubble Berry shouted. “I got it wrong! Technically Princess Bluebelle fell in love with Prince Dusk Shine first, didn’t she?
“Ugh.” Dusk Shine facehoofed, but Bubble Berry continued.
It’s funny how just one event Can cause so much to change Then again, we’ve done so much It’s shouldn’t feel that strange
Perhaps some other things have changed In ways that we don’t know
“For example.” Sergeant Lighthoof interjected.
“Yes?” Bubble Berry asked.
“Ever since they fell in love, they’ve stopped throwing things at us,” he smiled. “Royal Guard injuries are at an all time low!” His smile faltered and his eyes widened. He ducked as a pair of cymbals soared across the room, missing him by mere inches.
It's super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle Super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle Super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle Super that Prince Dusk Shine fell in love with Princess Bluebelle
As the crowd continued to cheer, Dusk Shine leaned in towards Bluebelle. He looked into her eyes once more. "I really wished I could have asked you properly, Bluebelle."
"Oh Dusk Shine," she replied, kissing him once more, "Let it go."
"The Cell Block Tango" - Chicago (BBB Version: "Dusk Shine's Tango" - Dusk Shine and Guards) "I Dreamed A Dream" - Les Miserables (BBB Version: "You Are My Friends" - Bluebelle and Zephyrus) "Les Poissons" - The Little Mermaid (BBB Version: "Big Top Cakes" - Chef Dior) "Popular" - Wicked (BBB Version: "Proper Mare" - Fleur De Lis and Dusk Shine) "Think Of Me" - Phantom of the Opera (BBB Version: "In My Dreams" - Luna) "Be Prepared" - The Lion King (BBB Version: "Here's My Chance" - Elusive and Bubble Berry) "I'll Know" - Guys and Dolls (BBB Version: "A Love That's Not There" - Celestia and Luna) "Heaven's Light/Hellfire" - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (BBB Version: "We're The Same" - Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis) "Ave Maria" - Franz Schubert (BBB Version: "Ave Cadenza" - Flash Sentry) "Be Our Guest" - Beauty and the Beast (BBB Version: "Canterlot" - Applejack, Butterscotch, Elusive, Bubble Berry, Rainbow Blitz) "Slipping Through My Fingers" - Mamma Mia (BBB Version: "If Only" - Bluebelle and Applejack) "Whistle A Happy Tune" - The King and I (BBB Version: "Smile And Wave" - Celestia, Bubble Berry, and Guards) "We Are One" - Lion King 2 (BBB Version: "There He'll Be" - Aeolus and Bluebelle) "Rose's Turn" - Gypsy (BBB Version: "Bluebelle's Turn" - Bluebelle) "So Close" - Enchanted (BBB Version: "Just For Now" - Black Ivory) "Aria De Mezzo Carattere" - Final Fantasy VI (BBB Version: Aria De Butterscotch Carattere - Butterscotch) "Savages" - Pocahontas (BBB Version: "Travesty" - Celestia, Luna, Dusk Shine, and Guards) "Confrontation" - Jekyll and Hyde (BBB Version: "Confrontation" - Elusive) "You'll Be In My Heart" - Tarzan (BBB Version: It's A Gift In Disguise" - Bluebelle) "Memories" - Cats (BBB Version: "Memories" - Luna and Celestia) "I See The Light" - Tangled (BBB Version: "The Words Are Coming True" - Bluebelle and Dusk Shine) "Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious" - Mary Poppins (BBB Version: "It's Super That Prince Dusk Shine Fell In Love With Princess Bluebelle" - Bubble Berry, Dusk Shine, Bluebelle, Fleur De Lis, and Elusive)
*****
“So what plan do you have, Lucy. Do you have a really fun idea for a prank?”
Elusive lifted both of his hooves to the banister at the top of the stairs, folded them over, and craned his neck down towards Bubble Berry.
“Precisely.”
Elusive’s horn glowed and it lit the small lights that lined the stairway to his upstairs inspiration room. Bubble Berry made his way up the stairs, but before he made his way to the room, Elusive turned to the vanity.
The Grand Galloping Gala was my chance To make sure Canterlot knew my name I saw the Princess, and at first glance
"Knew she-" Elusive turned back to the door, only to see Bubble Berry hopping back and forth wearing a lion costume. "Oh for the love of-"
"Be prepared!"
"Cut!" The snickers started almost immediately.
"I'll be in my trailer!" Elusive shouted as a chaise lounge levitated next to him. He fell onto it and looked on as a pair of stallions made their way onto the scene to carry him away.
"Hey, Lucy! Lucy!"
"What?"
"Why can't you trust a griffon's stories?" Bubble Berry shouted, "Because their tales end with lion!"
The director facehooved. "Take four, everypony."
*****
Wow, just... Wow. A year this took me. So, let's obviously start off with some thanks:
These guys helped me get past my first writer's block on this story. You guys are great. Especially Dreamy. Happy six months, love!
*****
Model number two, a yellow unicorn with a brown mane, began her walk. Her mane had been intentionally styled to resemble a lion’s mane, and her tail had been braided up to the tip, which was disheveled. She wore stockings that were covered in a furry material similar to her own mane and a blood red bikini. The most intriguing aspect of her outfit, however, was the lion tamer’s whip she held in her teeth. As she stopped to strike a pose, she levitated the whip out of her mouth and cracked it in the air.
"Wait a minute," Hoity Toity shouted, "that is not my model. Who is that?"
"Cut!" The director shouted as he scratched at his striped fur, "That's not a that, that is a he!"
Moments later, the doors burst open, and a stream of Royal Guards burst into the room and surrounded the poor stallion. He smirked, and a moment later, he smiled, and one by one, the guards dropped to the floor with a tiny 'squee' sound.
"Mwa hahaha!" he shouted as he grabbed the nearby zebra trapeze artist's hoof and swung to the exit. "'Til next we meet, Lovecolt."
Lovecolt rubbed his temples and surveyed the comatose guards around him. He needed a cigarette. "Anypony got any Camels?"
*****
Obviously, most of this fic is brought thanks to the original songwriters. I wanted to play with the idea of a musical for a while. My Little Pony uses it, so a story that uses it didn't seem that far fetched to me. Thanks to the original songwriters for the songs I used. John Kandor, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Frank Loesser, ABBA, Richard Rogers, Tom Snow, Jule Styne, Frank Wildhorn (still a fitting pony name, if you ask me), Phil Collins, and Robert and Richard Sherman.
*****
“I’m sorry, Bluebelle.” He said. “I’m sorry.”
"And scene!" the director shouted, "Great job, Dusk Shine. Take four, everypony. That is the end of act two. Now, let's get things ready for the final act."
"Uh, sister?" Luna asked as she poked Celestia's side.
Celestia hadn't moved from her spot. Her eyes darted across the room and registered the frosting everywhere. Finally, she held her hoof up to her mouth and gingerly licked the little bit of frosting off of it. "It was... coconut and vanilla flavored."
The director's eyes widened.
"It was a coconut and vanilla cake." her eyes narrowed. "and you killed it."
"Bubble Berry," he asked, "wasn't it your job to explain to Her Highness about the scene?"
"Oh yeah!" Bubble Berry replied, "But I wanted it to be a surprise. Isn't there a school of acting where you don't tell the other actors what's happening so they can really show their true emotions?" he turned to the director's chair, only to see that it was empty. "Lovecolt? Your Highness, where is-" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw Princess Celestia's horn charge up.
"You monster!" she shrieked.
A shrill scream echoed from across the hallway.
*****
Obviously, musicals, R63, and shipping stories are already a bit niche reading material, so I really want to thank everypony out there for giving this story a chance. I know it is a... unique... story, but I am glad that I wrote it. I can't believe that it started out as a small joke about Twilight singing about Fluttershy's bat problem via Cell Block Tango. (Seriously, this all started from a small joke a year ago.) I really hope you all enjoyed it, and hopefully, I can entertain you all with some stories in the future.
*****
“It’s great that I already put everypony in place for this!”
“Wait, what? Bubble Berry, no, we don’t need another-”
Splat
Dusk Shine's jaw dropped on the floor as a piece of cake dropped from Bluebelle's muzzle onto the tile. The crowd gasped as she slowly reached up a hoof to grab the remaining frosting out of her mane. Bubble Berry couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh gosh, you should have seen your faces!"
"Bubble Berry, how could you?" Elusive shouted, "You know she-"
Splat
Dusk Shine turned his attention to the new sound and saw that now Elusive was covered in cake. Elusive looked down at his outfit and started to shake.
"Oh relax, Elusive," Bluebelle shouted as she wiped the frosting off of her hoof from the piece of cake she had just thrown at him, "it's just a play." she started laughing, but another piece of cake flew across the room. She dodged it, and it managed to land on a nearby stallion. More pieces of cake flew through the air, until everypony was covered in the sticky frosting.
"No!" the director shouted, "We were so close!
"Ah'll protect ya, sugarcube!" Applejack stood proudly to shield Butterscotch from the onslaught of flying cake, but turned when he heard a small snicker. He saw Butterscotch with a devious grin plastered on his muzzle as he held a piece of cake in his hoof. He narrowed his eyes. "You wouldn't dare to-"
